ONE A PENNY, TWO A PENNY, HOT CROSSED BUNS! by Marisa Masterson

 Easter time! Bring on the traditional foods.

Why ham at Easter? As I researched, I discovered two possible reasons for this traditional Easter meat in the United States.

Traditionally in the past, hogs were butchered in the fall. By the tine spring and Easter arrived, the hams would be ready to enjoy, fully smoked and delicious.

I also learned that in the mid-1800s, Easter was not widely celebrated in the North. But in the southern part of the United States, the religious background was different. Easter was a time for feasting and ham was typically always included on the table of wealthier people. This meat was a good substitute for lamb, as well, because it was larger and more inexpensive.  (https://www.marthastewart.com/1538183/how-easter-ham-became-traditional-easter-dinner#)

Another traditional food came as more of a surprise to me. Hot crossed buns, one a penny, two a penny, hot crossed buns. I remember singing that little ditty as a child. (By the way, that little song goes back to the 1700s when street vendors first used it as a jingle to see the bread.)

My family did not eat these at Easter, but I have heard of many people who do. The spices in the buns are said to represent the spices used for Christ's body, and the cross drawn on top represents his sacrifice. Not only are they delicious, but they are a way to remember the meaning of Easter.

Truly, though, this food goes back further than the celebration of Christian Easter. The buns were made in honor of Esotre, the Saxon goddess. Her name is where we get the word Easter.

So, Christians adapted something they had already learned to enjoy as a part of celebrating the coming of Spring. They retained their tradition but turned it into something that would remind them of their new faith. The same thing was done when eggs became a part of the holiday.

Good or bad, I can understand those new converts hanging on to a tradition they treasured. I also love my holiday traditions.

HAPPY EASTER! MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

She calls herself Elspeth. How long will Liza be able to keep up the ruse? 

If she thought her groom would accept her as herself, she would abandon her sister’s plot. No, he wants her twin. 

Liza desperately needs him to learn to love her before Adam discovers who he really married.

Can liars ever prosper? Will Adam be able to forgive her when he discovers that he mistakenly married the wrong woman?