The influence of the pineapple fruit is evident in the delightful variety of decorations available that use the shape of the pineapple as part of their creation. We hear of architectural elements such as pineapple pedestals, pineapple corbels and corbels, as well as pineapple wall sculptures, and of their use in the kitchen in the form of pineapple napkin rings and trivets, as well as bookends to adorn your desk and library with hospitality. and an air of friendliness and warmth. In fact, the pineapple has a colorful history that stretches back to colonial times and today it is heralded as the princess of fruits and credited as the symbol of hospitality and welcome. Giving the pineapple as a gift conveys your intention to promote kindness and friendliness in the recipient. The pineapple initially began as the fruit of the rich and the guests were revered and delighted when a pineapple was placed in the middle of their presence in the dining room because it indicated the amount of respect and consideration the hostess had for them. Colonial America drew a refreshing and inspiring medium by using the pineapple motif to please your guests at the table and spend a night at home. Fresh pineapples were welcomed and appreciated as an expensive dessert for guests, while the idea of spending time in a room heavily decorated with pineapple designs on the bedposts or headboards was seen as luxurious and rewarding.
The origin of the pineapple: The pineapple fruit may have originated in Brazil and Paraguay in South America, where it supposedly received a boost in European markets through Christopher Columbus, who discovered the pineapple fruit in Guadeloupe in 1493. It was nicknamed “pina” because it looked a lot like a pineapple and brought to Spain. Sir Walter Raleigh was also very interested in the pineapple which he affectionately called the princess fruit. So he began the interest in bringing this fruit to Europe. However, Europeans were unsure how to grow the fruit and its arrival in Europe only began in the late 16th century, taking Europeans nearly two long centuries to study and cultivate this much-desired fruit. Once in Europe, this delicious fruit eventually found its way to Holland and England. English society was very impressed with the first pineapple created by the royal gardener, Mr. John Rose for Charles II, which also inspired Hendrick Danckerts to paint the picture of the presentation of the fruit in 1675. The much-famous pineapple was grown then in India. and it spread to China and in 1777, it became available in the Pacific Islands through Captain Cook.
The Pineapple Inspiration: The English who were overwhelmed with the beautiful pineapple fruit were inspired by its unique appearance and shape. As a result, the pineapple fruit inspired the coat of arms and was used as an architectural element in pottery and planters. The artistic appeal and decorative effect generated by the pineapple was significant and the pineapple symbol inspired bedposts, tablecloths, napkins and napkin holders, as well as bookends and candle holders. The symbol of this prized fruit came to be represented in any form of decoration that was visibly displayed for guests to enjoy and feel welcome. Even to this day, the pineapple fruit garners a lot of interest in states like Virginia, Hawaii, and Florida, where pineapple-themed accessories and gifts are key to highlighting hospitable, peace-loving people who reside there.
The medicinal powers of pineapple: Pineapple is also credited with having healing powers and records indicate that its tasty juice was used to cure throat infections, arthritis, bronchitis and indigestion. However, the use of pineapple for the treatment of diseases was limited to the natives who originally grew it. It is not certain if this fruit was used for healing purposes in colonial America. Modern studies also confirm that the fruit contains an enzyme known as “bromelain” which can be used in the treatment of heart disease, fight nasal congestion, and also be used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Fresh pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and speeds up tissue growth and repair. However, it is worth noting that fresh pineapple contains bromelain and canning appears to destroy this enzyme, but not the vitamin C content.
The Entrance of the Pineapple to the AmericasFruit: Settlers began importing this delicious fruit from the Caribbean in the 17th century and it soon took root as one of the revered and luxurious fruits available to the wealthy. Since it was difficult to bring this fruit to the country due to the fact that the trade routes where this fruit was obtained were considered dangerous, it was considered a great achievement to bring such a rare fruit for the guests. That occasion was almost always reserved for the wealthy class to partake and enjoy, but there were also times when the pineapple was rented to raise a person’s rank in society by displaying the ability to bring such an expensive fruit to the table for display it. The pineapple finally began to take on a new meaning as a symbol of warmth and friendship. It was the crowning piece used for the large displays of food that the wealthy brought to the table. The hostess went to a lot of trouble and trouble to raise her family’s social status in colonial American society by presenting pineapple exhibits as she indicated ingenuity by participating in a unique display of food for all to admire and appreciate. shared. History records that New England ship captains would impale a pineapple outside their homes on gateposts or front doors as a symbol of safe return after returning from dangerous trade routes in the Caribbean or Pacific. Today, commercial pineapple production is credited to the state of Hawaii and Florida, where Hawaii is notably one of the world’s largest producers of canned pineapples.
The use of the pineapple theme in the decoration: Even to this day, Americans continue to show an interest in decorating the home with pineapple designs. Pineapple designs are not only prevalent in the home in places like the foyer and living areas, as well as in the kitchen, but are also visibly displayed in the form of pineapple finials on entry posts or as garden fountains. The use of pineapple plates highlighted with the warm and welcoming words “Welcome to our home” has become commonplace. Virginia still remains one of the top states that enthusiastically displays pineapple motifs and designs on many of its home accessories, still highlighting the pineapple symbol as the highest form of hospitality provided. The pineapple symbol is also an accent that is very well received by its hospitality industry, where displays of pineapple-themed accessories and decorations on wallpaper and furniture are legendary. Virginia highlights many tourist destinations that embrace the use of pineapples in their architectural landscape. Shirley Plantation features a 3.5-foot wooden pineapple built in the late 1700s on top of the roofline as a show of hospitality and as an invitation to river travelers who come to the plantation. The establishment also highlights the use of beautiful pineapple motifs within its facilities.
Therefore, no one can do without the historical, social and economic impact of the pineapple fruit that was once compared to the pineapple. While pineapple production has fueled the economies of the states of Florida and Hawaii, the symbolic designs and good looks of the pineapple have also generated much inspiration for décor concepts and designs utilizing unique pineapple-themed accessories. for home and garden. The pineapple also continues to inspire the hospitality industry in many of these states that were responsible for providing this fruit to the rest of the Americas, highlighting the deep meaning attached to the pineapple symbol.
Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents
© 2008 Kaviik’s Accents Inc. All Rights Reserved