Scottish Country Dance of the Day

​

Hot Cross Buns are a traditional fruited yeast bread enjoyed during the pre-Easter season. There are many myths and traditions associated with this Lenten treat. Due to the symbolic cross on top, hot cross buns hung in a kitchen are said to protect the household from evil spirits, prevent kitchen fires, and ensure that all breads baked that year will turn out well. Additionally, taking hot cross buns on a sea voyage is said to provide protection from shipwreck! And it is said that those who share a hot cross bun will enjoy a strong friendship and bond for the next year, according to the rhyme: "Half for you and half for me, between us two, good luck shall be." Vintage and modern recipes included! ✝️

Even if your own Spring Chicken days are past, it's Spring - a time of new beginnings and the season of rebirth. With urban and suburban homesteading on the rise, it is now quite popular to keep chickens and have access to fresh eggs. The colours of eggs laid by chickens are dependent on both the breed and the conditions that hens are subjected to .... sunlight, feed, etc ... . Breeds that naturally produce blue and brown tinged eggs can result in eggs of all shades! Easter Egger chickens, a variant of Araucanas and Ameraucanas breeds can produce a variety of egg colors such as blue, green, brown, sage, olive, cream, and rose! 🐣

Whether you have mid-century modern memories of dye tablets and vinegar baths; use natural vegetable/fruits/herbs to dye your eggs; or have a family tradition of elaborate egg decorating techniques from Eastern Europe, coloured and decorated eggs have played a prominent role in Easter and Spring celebrations since ancient time and are heavily imbued with symbolic and mystical connections. In some traditions, it was the women’s task to decorate the Easter eggs. During this process, men were not allowed within the house, since it was believed they could cause bad luck by putting a spell on the eggs! When finished, the decorated eggs were thought to bring luck and fortune to the owners, and could be used to protect the family by burying a decorated egg at the front door of one’s home. So whether you decorate them, roll them, hunt for them, tap them, or eat them, Happy Easter! 🥚