Suffolk Buns (St Edmunds Day)
St Edmund was originally the English patron saint until Edward III replaced him with the foreign saint, St George. The name Edmund originates from the Old English “ēad”, meaning “prosperity” or “riches” and “mund”, meaning “protector”. Edmunds was king of East Anglia from 25 December 855 to 20 November 869 or 870. He was killed by the invading Danes under their leaders Ubbe Ragnarsson and Ivar the Boneless. People had great nicknames in those days.
In 2006, a campaign was started by the people of Suffolk to reinstate St Edmund as the nation's Patron Saint, at the expense of St George whose popularity has never been as great as that of St David or St Patrick by the people of Wales and Ireland. A petition signed by thousands was taken to the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair. He decided to stand by dragon-slayer St George. But then again he was never really one for history or tradition. Suffolk County Council has officially adopted St Edmund as its Patron Saint and the celebrations continue on 20th November.
Suffolk Buns are traditionally made to eat on St. Edmunds Day. Since the 1800s, these sticky buns have been made with caraway seeds with honey drizzled over when baked.