Good Friday Food

     Today is Good Friday and around the world Christians are recalling the day originally termed "Black Friday" when Jesus was executed by crucifixion.  It is a day of reflection and penitence as Lent comes to a close.  But there is one food that is associated with the day we now call "Good."  Do you know what it is?
     In many countries around the world buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, with a cross formed on their face with icing.  They are made with dough and include currants or raisins, according to Wikipedia, the cross standing as a reminder of the crucifixion.  At one time in England the ruling monarchy attempted to ban the sale of them, believing that they were a dangerous hold over from the Catholic Church, having been baked from the dough left over from the creation of communion wafers.  But hot cross buns were so popular among the citizenry that Elizabeth I decided to permit bakeries to sell them, but only at Easter and Christmas.
     Folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns, among them the belief that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or become moldy for the rest of the year.  Another belief is that the buns have a special medicinal value.  A portion of one given to someone who is ill will have a curative effect.  Sharing a hot cross bun with someone is supposed to ensure friendship for the coming year, particularly if this verse is recited, "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be."  When taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect the voyager from shipwreck.  And if hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fire and also ensure that all breads will turn out perfectly.
     In the UK there are some variations on the traditional recipe which call for the inclusion of toffee, orange and cranberry, and also apple and cinnamon.  In Australia a chocolate version of the bun has become popular and there are also coffee flavored buns sold there and in some instances chocolate chips are substituted in place of the more traditional currants.