| 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 the
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. The legend has continued
to the present, and frequently one sees the pineapple symbol in hotels
and restaurants to signal the presence of hospitality.
The Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association
has chosen the pineapple symbol of hospitality to recognize and award a
property�s effort to achieve the highest levels of guest and employee satisfaction. |
