The end and the beginning

The first accounts of the pineapple was given by Christopher Columbus from voyages to the Caribbean in the late 1400s. Due to it’s outer rough, spiky surface, resembling a pine cone, and the sweet fruit inside, Pineapple seemed to be a fitting name in those days for the English and Spanish.

The pineapple has become a universal symbol of hospitality and welcome for many centuries all over the world.

To the Carib, the pineapple symbolized hospitality, and the Spaniards soon learned (from early voyages) they were welcome if a pineapple was placed by the entrance to a village. This symbolism spread to Europe, then to Colonial North America, where it became the custom to carve the shape of a pineapple into the columns at the entrance of a plantation…

Seafaring captains used to impale fresh pineapples–souvenirs of their lengthy travels to tropical ports–atop the porch railings of their homes when they returned. It was a symbol then that the man of the house was home–albeit briefly–and receiving visitors…

During early Colonial days in the United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful centerpiece of the festive meal, especially when visitors joined them in celebration. This symbolized the utmost in welcome and hospitality to the visitor, and the fruit would be served as a special desert after the meal. Often when the visitor spent the night, he was given the bedroom which had the pineapples carved on the bedposts or headboard–even if the bedroom belonged to the head of the household. — Symbolism of the Pineapple

Thus I thought this “pineapple” symbol, found during one of my walks, would be a fitting way to say goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010. Not only is one year ending and another beginning but we are also ending and beginning decades. What will the next ten years bring — I’m excited to see.

Welcome 2010, welcome all readers and friends here, and a have wonderful and safe Happy New Year! :-)