So Allison has done some searching, as promised in Episode 5 regarding the origin of Hot Crossed Buns (though admittedly this was follow up discussions to Episode 3 discussions regarding Easter). Allison has found this link which offers some thoughts. Keep in mind that at least one of them was questioned within the first couple of comments. But it definitely is fun to read, and it comes with a recipe for Hot Crossed Buns, so why not?!
http://www.thekitchn.com/heres-why-we-eat-hot-cross-buns-at-easter-holiday-traditions-at-the-kitchn-217463
** This pic used for this post is from Baker’s Delight, which have very yummy Hot Crossed Buns