Pinneaple Lore
Pineapple Lore
Since colonial times the pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality. In colonial America, visiting was the primary means of entertainment, cultural intercourse, and news dissemination. Hospitality-- the charm, warmth, and style with which guests were received-- was central to daily living and the center of most all community activity was the home.
Folklore tells us that upon returning home sea captains would put a pineapple on the gatepost as a sign that they were once again safely home. This sign bade welcome to friends and family to visit, eat, and hear the tales of their voyages. Lore also tells us that guests who had overstayed their welcome would find a pineapple placed at the foot of their bed, a polite sign that it was time to leave.
While common today, in colonial times pineapples were a rare commodity and due to their costly nature would be used as major attractions during special feasts?quite literally a culinary crown.
A hostesses? ability to secure a pineapple for a dinner party said as much about her rank as it did about her resourcefulness, especially since, not only were they rare and expensive, but the street trade of these prized fruits was not for the faint of heart.
In more affluent homes, the dining room doors were kept closed until the appointed hour, and then with all the flair and suspense of opening night on Broadway, the doors were opened to reveal the evening?s main event. When visitors beheld a pineapple topped display, they knew their hostess was one who spared no expense and that her guest?s happiness was of the utmost importance to the success of the affair.
With such a glowing history as the symbol of friendship and hospitality, it is easy to see why this fruit has been used by architects and homeowners alike to adorn dwellings, furnishings, and artifacts for the home.
For a lovely selection of pineapple adorned items for your home click here.
Since colonial times the pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality. In colonial America, visiting was the primary means of entertainment, cultural intercourse, and news dissemination. Hospitality-- the charm, warmth, and style with which guests were received-- was central to daily living and the center of most all community activity was the home.
Folklore tells us that upon returning home sea captains would put a pineapple on the gatepost as a sign that they were once again safely home. This sign bade welcome to friends and family to visit, eat, and hear the tales of their voyages. Lore also tells us that guests who had overstayed their welcome would find a pineapple placed at the foot of their bed, a polite sign that it was time to leave.
While common today, in colonial times pineapples were a rare commodity and due to their costly nature would be used as major attractions during special feasts?quite literally a culinary crown.
A hostesses? ability to secure a pineapple for a dinner party said as much about her rank as it did about her resourcefulness, especially since, not only were they rare and expensive, but the street trade of these prized fruits was not for the faint of heart.
In more affluent homes, the dining room doors were kept closed until the appointed hour, and then with all the flair and suspense of opening night on Broadway, the doors were opened to reveal the evening?s main event. When visitors beheld a pineapple topped display, they knew their hostess was one who spared no expense and that her guest?s happiness was of the utmost importance to the success of the affair.
With such a glowing history as the symbol of friendship and hospitality, it is easy to see why this fruit has been used by architects and homeowners alike to adorn dwellings, furnishings, and artifacts for the home.
For a lovely selection of pineapple adorned items for your home click here.
posted by Gifts Etc Blog at
2:30 PM
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