Pineapple - Tea Light Holder
The Pineapple
The Tradition: The ability of a host/hostess to have a pineapple adorn her dining table for an important event said as much about her rank in society as it did about her ingenuity. These beautiful fruits were in such high demand, but so hard to get, that colonial confectioners would often rent them to households by the day. Later, the same fruit was sold to other, more affluent clients who actually ate it. While fruits in general--fresh, dried, candied and jellied--were in great demand, the pineapple was the true celebrity. Its rarity, expense, and striking beauty made it the ultimate exotic fruit. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests' dining pleasure. In this manner, the image of the pineapple came to express the sense of hospitality characteristic of gracious home gatherings.
The Legend: The sea captains of New England traded among the Caribbean Islands, returning to the colonies bearing their heavy cargoes of spices, rum, and a selection of fruits, which sometimes included pineapples. According to the legend, the captain would drop anchor in the harbor and see to his cargo and crew. Once his work was done, he would head home, stopping outside his house to spear a pineapple on a fence post. This would 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 and legend of the pineapple 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 the colonies. It is not surprising that this symbol of friendship and hospitality became a favorite motif of architects, artisans and craftsmen. The Shirley Plantation of Virginia, a bastion of Southern hospitality since 1613, has a pineapple finial atop its roof, and the motif appears as an architectural element throughout the home. This tradition continues today, for pineapples are still popular motifs for gateposts, door knockers, and beautiful serving pieces.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFT WITH MEANING, READY TO GIVE!
This beautiful birch wood PINEAPPLE tea light holder comes fully assembled and complete with it's own LED faux candle, ready to display. We laser cut the unique design, and hand assemble them in our workshop based in Tampa Florida USA. The holder projects a subtle abstract version of the design with flickering light patterns on a wall or surrounding surfaces. **
Assembly: This item ships pre-assembled with an LED tea light.
Material: Birch Plywood
Finishing: unfinished
Size: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.25 inches
** Candle Safety: For the sample picture we have used a battery LED faux candle (WHICH WE INCLUDE WITH YOUR TEA LIGHT HOLDER ). We recommend battery operated tea lights, as LEDs are safest and can be left unattended. There is a "centering" circle/ring in the holder made for a tea candle. If you choose use a real flame version set in the metal cup, please DO NOT LEAVE IT UNATTENDED ( use standard candle safety ) as the item is made of wood. The candle flame is unobstructed and the heat goes straight up. We have tested them and they work just fine, we just prefer the ease and peace of mind of the LED. The big plus of an LED, is that you can place it anywhere, on a shelf without a concern of flame.
