Black Bun

Black Bun (English literally as black pastry) is a fruit cake in pastry, of Scottish origin, and is traditionally eaten on Hogmanay. The ingredients for the filling of the cake typically contains raisins, currants, grated lemon peel, almonds, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and black pepper.

Originally Black Bun was a kind of Epiphany cake, which was in the twelfth night that is, on the night of January 6 ( Epiphany ) consumed. This tradition was founded in 1561 by Mary Queen of Scots after her return from France. With the introduction of the Reformation in Scotland in the 16th century, the festivities were severely restricted to Christian holidays. The tradition of Black Bun or Scotch ( Christmas ) Bun on Hogmanay was revived in the 19th century. It is now also common outside Scotland.