Pineapple in hospitality? Exactly what does that mean – Tell me more.

Did you realize that the Pineapple is known as the Friendship Fruit! The Pineapple, in the hospitality world, has symbolized hospitality and friendship for centuries. The Pineapple across Continents has come to mean sharing, caring, and friendship, and is the symbol of hospitality. Is showy big plump fruit with its rough brown exterior and edible sweet firm yellow interior begs attention where ever it is displayed.

History

The history of the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality dates back to the days of the colonists. Ships sailing from New England to the Caribbean Islands to pick up fruit and supplies for the colonies came across this lovely distinct fruit we now call the pineapple. Columbus added the pineapple to his collection of fruits that he carried to the colonies. The ship’s captains displayed a pineapple outside the cabins to let friends know of his safe arrival from the Caribbean Islands with supplies and that visitors were welcome into his home.

Pineapple: Hospitality and Wealth

Friendship fruit pineapple

England

The pineapple enjoys popularity in England as well, and reportedly, Christopher Columbus discovered the pineapple and brought it to Europe for cultivating. In Europe, the wealthy put pineapples on display, and gave them as gifts to prominent visitors.

Colonies

In the American colonies, innkeepers found by displaying a pineapple symbol on their establishment sign or door their arriving guests recognized it as a form of welcome and friendship. The tradition spread through the lodging establishments, and soon the guests identified the fruit as a symbol of top quality lodging.

Today

Today the symbol of a pineapple is an international symbol of hospitality and can be seen in hotels and restaurants, bidding patrons welcome. Many Innkeepers display this long-standing tradition in their B&Bs or Inns as a gesture of welcome and hospitality. You can see this fruit displayed in decorative dishes and centerpieces, beckoning you welcome. Innkeepers and hoteliers go so far as to greet guests with chunks of pineapple, explaining the pineapple’s meaning. Add a pineapple or two to your home and make it a welcome place to visit!