The influence of pineapple is evident in the lovely variety of decorations available that use the pineapple shape as part of their creation. We hear about architectural elements such as pineapple pedestals, pineapple brackets and corbels, as well as pineapple wall sculptures, and of their use in the kitchen in the form of pineapple napkin holders and placemats, 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 dating 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 the kindness and friendliness of the recipient. The pineapple initially started out as the fruit of the rich and guests were revered and delighted when a pineapple was placed in the midst of their presence in the dining room, indicating the amount of respect and consideration the hostess bestows upon them. Colonial America brought out a refreshing and inspiring medium by using the pineapple motif to please your guests at the table and spend an evening at your 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 considered luxurious and rewarding.

The origin of pineapple: The pineapple fruit may have been native to 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 the ” pineapple “because it looked a lot like a pineapple and brought to Spain. Sir Walter Raleigh was also very interested in pineapple, which he affectionately called the princess fruit. The interest in bringing this fruit to Europe then. However, Europeans weren’t sure how to grow the fruit and its arrival in Europe only began in the late 16th century, which took Europeans almost two centuries to study and grow this much-desired fruit. Once in Europe, this delicious fruit finally made 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 famous pineapple was grown then in India and spread to China and in 1777, it was made available in the Pacific Islands through Captain Cook.

Pineapple Inspiration: The English who were overwhelmed by the beautiful pineapple were inspired by its unique appearance and shape. As a result, the pineapple inspired the coat of arms and was used as an architectural element in pottery and planters. The pineapple’s artistic appeal and decorative effect were 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 sparks much interest in states such as Virginia, Hawaii, and Florida, where the use of pineapple-themed accessories and gifts is critical to highlighting the peace-loving and hospitable people who reside inside.

The medicinal powers of pineapplePineapple is also credited with 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 cultivated them. It is not certain if this fruit was used for curative purposes in colonial America. Modern studies also confirm that the fruit contains an enzyme known as “bromelain” that can be used in treating heart disease, fighting sinus congestion, and also treating urinary tract infections. Fresh pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and accelerates growth and tissue repair. However, it is noteworthy that bromelain is contained in fresh pineapple and canning seems to destroy this enzyme, but not the vitamin C content.

The entry of pineapple in the Americas: Colonists 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 known to the wealthy. Since it was difficult to bring this fruit into the country since the trade routes where this fruit was acquired were considered dangerous, it was considered a remarkable achievement to bring such a rare fruit for the guests. That occasion was almost always reserved for the wealthy class to participate and enjoy, but there were also occasions when pineapple was hired to raise a person’s rank in society for showing the ability to bring such an expensive fruit to the table for to exhibit. The pineapple fruit finally began to take on a new meaning as a symbol of warmth and kindness. It was the crown piece that was used for the large food samples that the rich brought to the table. The hostess took a lot of effort and trouble to raise her family’s social status in American colonial society by presenting displays of pineapples, as it indicated an ingenuity to participate in a unique display of food for all to admire and share. History records that New England sea captains impaled a pineapple outside their homes on doorposts or front doors as a symbol of a safe return after returning from dangerous trade routes in the Caribbean or Pacific. Today, commercial pineapple production is credited in the state of Hawaii and Florida, where Hawaii is notably one of the largest producers of canned pineapple in the world.

Using the pineapple theme in decoration: Even to this day, Americans continue to show 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 the kitchen, but are also visibly displayed in the form of pineapple finials on door posts or as fountains for the garden. . The use of pineapple plates highlighted with the warm and inviting words “Welcome to our home” has become commonplace. Virginia continues to be a leading state that enthusiastically displays pineapple motifs and designs in many of its home accessories, and continues to highlight the pineapple symbol as the highest form of hospitality. The pineapple symbol is also a well-received accent for its hospitality industry, where displays of pineapple-themed accessories and decorations on wallpapers and furniture are legendary. Virginia highlights many tourist destinations that infuse the use of pineapple in their architectural landscape. The Shirley Plantation features 3.5 feet of wooden pineapple built in the late 1700s atop the roof line 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 that was once compared to the pineapple. While pineapple production has boosted the economies of the states of Florida and Hawaii, the symbolic designs and good looks of the pineapple have also led to much inspiration in decorating concepts and designs using 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 bringing this fruit to the rest of America, highlighting the deep meaning attributed to the pineapple symbol.

Written by Romilla D. for Kaviik’s Accents

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