Why the Pineapple?
While working on the creation of this blog and the “feel” I wanted to express, I struggled with just how I could represent my message. What would convey the purpose of the blog?
And when I say I struggled, I mean it. Many of the patient people who I enlisted to review my numerous attempts at creating this website can attest to it.
I knew I wanted it to be something that would appeal to each person – something to say hello and offer a warm welcome to all who visited the site. Something that you would remember when you visited again and that tied the many aspects of the site together.
As I tediously worked through the many versions of the representations I created, nothing seemed to say what I wanted.
It was then I remembered back to my days of owning my floral and gift shop. During many of my trips to the various gift markets, I would come across wonderful gift items with the pineapple motif. I must admit, in the beginning I didn’t know why this appeared on so many of the items and had to ask the meaning of this myself.
I learned the pineapple was a symbol of hospitality. In colonial times the image of the pineapple became an expression of welcome, good cheer, human warmth and family affection in home gatherings.
This symbol of friendship and hospitality became a favorite colonial decorating motif. Pineapples were
carved into doorways, stenciled on walls, woven into tablecloths, napkins, carpets and draperies, and cast into hot plates.
Pineapples were carved of wood, found on china and painted onto the pieces of furniture. Today the pineapple continues to represent hospitality and a welcome to family and friends.
I knew – I had found it – what would embody my purpose on this site. It was perfect. The symbol is found in nearly every type of décor – country – contemporary – traditional. Found in decorating and cooking. Found in travels around the world. For parties and entertaining. For holidays. For gardens.
And it was the perfect example of what I want my website to be – warm and welcoming.
My friends and family have now begun to give me gifts of pineapples too.
You will find them throughout the site – like in this “Breakfast Tablescape” found HERE – as they continue to be encouragements for me and this endeavor.
The next time you visit the site, you will no longer have to wonder – Why the Pineapple? – Now you know!
I hope you will come to visit often – stay and linger and always feel welcome as we share together.
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HI can you tells where you found that gorgeous wallpaper?
I learned that the Pineapple stands for hospitality! And, that’s exactly how I felt while exploring your site! Completely at home, and surrounded by loving things!
Hi Debi! Thank you so much for explaining the historical significance of the pineapple! I find symbols like that just fascinating. And you have a lovely blog! 😉
Thank you Theresa! I hope to see you here often! Thanks for stopping by and the for the nice compliment on my blog.
Living in Quincy, Illinois with it’s rich architectural heritage, I was familiar with the pineapple hospitality symbolism, but aren’t they delicious too?
Vicki B.
Thank you for sharing this background info, Debi. I often wondered why pineapples were so popular in decorating. I thought it might be that their intricate design was a challenge to the crafter, and could showcase their ability to carve, etc. but now I understand! Rosie