THE humble hot cross bun has returned to grocery stores, piggybacking off tantalising Christmas treats and Aussie-themed baked goods.

The traditional fruity and spiced buns originally represented health and prosperity.

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According to an excerpt from The Bread Baker’s Guild magazine “Breadlines”, they pre-date Christianity with their origins in paganism.

Originally, Ancient Egyptians honoured their Gods by sectioning small rounds of bread to represent the four phases of the moon and seasons.

Later, the Greeks and Romans offered similarly sweetened ceremonial “bouns” in tribute to Eos, the goddess of the morning, and to Eostre, the goddess of light, who lent her name to Easter observances.

It was believed that crossing the buns would ensure a successful rise and bake, ward off evil spirits and be used for therapeutic effect.

In the 12th Century, an English monk decorated his freshly cooked baps with a cross on Good Friday.

The spicy rolls were banned during the 16th Century, with Queen Elizabeth I later granting permission for the buns to be made at home and commercially for funerals, Christmas and Easter.

The buns are a global, seasonal staple, but have undergone a significant transformation.

The latest adaptations include the Iced VoVo, Dirty Chai, Wagon Wheel and Vegemite and Cheese.

But they have Tomaree Peninsula residents divided.

“The kids have been loving the Iced VoVo and Vegemite ones over summer,” Danielle of Soldiers Point said.

“I bought the luxurious fruit and spice ones, and they were ok,” said Jenny of Boat Harbour.

But Helen of Nelson Bay said they were, “commercialism gone rampant” while Linda of Soldiers Point said, “I don’t think they’ll be on my shopping list.”

Fiona of Salamander Bay simply responded, “Nope!”

Also far removed from the original is the price.

As quoted in the nursery rhyme, it was once: “One a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns. If you have no daughters, give them to your sons.”

By Jacie WHITFIELD