A Brisbane bakery has responded after being accused of “woke madness” for removing the hot cross from its so-called “Easter Time” buns.
Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent – the cross symbolising the crucifixion of Jesus, and the spices used to flavour the baked good representing those used in the embalming of his body at his burial.
But Riser Bread, in the inner-west suburb of Toowong, has caused a stir over the decision to make its buns non-denominational, renaming the treat and eliminating the cross from the top.
“This is just another cause of woke madness removing the name hot cross buns,” co-founder and former CEO of Brumby’s bakery franchise, Michael Sherlock, told The Courier-Mail.
“This wouldn’t have happened in my time at Brumby’s. You can’t have Easter without hot cross buns.