Deck the Halls

Every day as I walk through my neighborhood I see new signs of the season. This arrangement of fresh fruit is a recent addition.
The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. The legend began with the sea captains of New England, who sailed among the Caribbean Islands and returned to the colonies bearing their cargo of fruits, spices and rum.
According to the legend, the captain would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside his home to let his friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink, and listen to tales of his voyage.
As the tradition grew, colonial innkeepers added the pineapple to their signs and advertisements, and bedposts carved in the shape of a pineapple were a common sight at inns across New England. They can also be seen in Christmas decorations in Colonial Williamsburg, an interpretation of a Colonial American city, with exhibits including dozens of authentic or re-created colonial houses and relating to American Revolutionary War history. It was the original capitol of the colony of Virginia. A walk through the Historic District at Christmas is a great way to feel the Christmas spirit. This is the first time I have seen this pineapple motif in my neighborhood.

[Kerri]

Great catch

[Terry]

what a cool idea

[Rick Schies]

The colors are fantastic, and it is a very festive look.

[Mrs. Smith]

That's so interesting that it's in your neighborhood.

[Howard Steele]

Wow great decor great capture

[Ann H. LeFevre]

I knew about the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality but I didn't know it came from sea captains originally. Bery interesting. This is a lovely arrangement- but if it's real fruit, I wonder how long before the birds think it's meant for them!

[Allison Williams]

@olivetreeann It is real fruit; I got a close up to be sure. I guess providing treats for the birds would be very hospitable of the home owners, wouldn't it?

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@allie912 Just looking over my comment and caught the typo- Very interesting is what it should have read. I did forget to say that it's quite beautiful and different being set in the cornice of the door. And unique too that it's real fruit. Nice capture!

[Jennifer Jones]

Now that's a novel way to decorate a house! And thankyou for the information about the significance of the pineapple - that's something new to me.

[Carole Imes]

I had always heard that the pineapple was a symbol of hospitality but never knew the story behind it. Thanks for sharing...very interesting! Amazing decorations on this home....real fruit, too....wow! Fab catch!

[bruni]

Very icely done...the decoration and your picture. but tell me how do hey keep them from not falling out or off..fruit especially the pineapple is a bit heavy..everytime I read about Virginia I remember visiting this town and enjoying the colonial college or univerity area, the market place and others.

[Allison Williams]

@bruni I tried to find out but so far, no luck. We are going to Colonial Williamsburg one day next week and I will ask the experts at that time,

[Phil Howcroft]

superb narrative allison and a super shot too..... whenever I look at a pineapple I'll always think of you from now on......not that i'm comparing u to a pineapple !!!