The most practical reason for cutting a cross into the top of Irish soda bread is to help it bake evenly. The cross allows heat to penetrate the center of the dough during baking, ensuring that the bread cooks through properly. Without the cross, the center of the bread might remain doughy or undercooked while the outer portions are done. But there is also a traditional and symbolic aspect to the cross. Many believe that the cross cut into the bread is a way to bless and protect the loaf from evil spirits. In a predominantly Catholic country like Ireland, it's common for people to make a sign of the cross before and after cutting the bread. Some also see the cross as representing the four quarters of the year, tying the bread to the agricultural cycles of Ireland. So, while the cross on Irish soda bread is functional in ensuring even baking, it also carries cultural and symbolic significance in Irish tradition. It's a lovely tradition that has been passed down through generations and is still common in Irish households today.