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.
2 comments:
"The pineapple was a symbol of welcome and hospitality during Colonial days" -- Interesting, I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. I also wish I had the talent and patience to create the lovely crafts you post (smile!)
Angela, you should try some of them. All the crafts posted on Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers are easy to do. Don't feel intimidated. Just take your time.
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