#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--CROSS STITCHED PINEAPPLE

Today is President's Day. One of the presidents we honor on this day is George Washington, our first president. Here in New Jersey there are many historical homes where George Washington stayed during the Revolutionary War.

Touring these homes, you’ll often see pineapple motifs as part of the décor. The pineapple was a symbol of welcome and hospitality during Colonial days. The tradition began with New England sea captains who brought back fruit, spices, and rum from the Caribbean islands. Legend has it that when these captains returned home from a voyage, they’d spear a pineapple to a fencepost so their friends and neighbors would know they’d returned safely. The pineapple also acted as an invitation to visit.

Eventually, colonial innkeepers adopted the pineapple image in their signs and advertisements. Pineapples were even carved into bedposts. You can still see this today in Colonial-style furniture, and the pineapple motif is still commonly used in the décor of many restaurants and hotels.

The pineapple was also a common motif in samplers stitched by young girls during colonial times.