The answer is: False

Hot cross buns come from Greek and Egyptian traditions of eating small cakes in honour to their goddesses they worshipped. The Saxons marked buns with a cross to honour their goddess Eostre. These might even be the same things that Jeremiah spoke of - Jeremiah 7:18.

Hot cross buns certainly come with a fascinating history that predates their association with Easter. While many people today may think of these sweet treats primarily in connection with the crucifixion, their roots stretch deep into various ancient traditions. Let’s take a detour through time!

The Greeks and Egyptians featured offerings of baked goods during their spring festivals to honor their goddesses—think of it as an ancient way of saying thanks for a bountiful harvest. The lovely cross on the top? That decorative addition was a nod from the Saxons, who reverently linked the imagery to their goddess Eostre, signifying fertility and renewal—a point that oddly intersects with our modern Easter!

Interestingly, Jeremiah 7:18 references the baking of cakes to the "queen of heaven," traditionally understood as a pagan ritual. This gives some depth to how these customs evolved and remained part of human culture and celebration despite shifts in religious context.

Now, each bite of a hot cross bun brings whispers of ancient peoples and their diverse beliefs about life, death, and rebirth. While they might be savored in churches today, let’s remember: these buns are as layered in history as the flavors they boast. So, next time you enjoy one, you’re tasting centuries of tradition, mythology, and the charred remnants of forgotten treasures from long-gone civilizations. Sweet, isn't it?