The Pineapple Fountain
THE PINEAPPLE FOUNTAIN
The pineapple fountain is not just a local landmark and a quintessential spot for photography and engagements, its meaning stems from a deep and historical origin. The origin starts with the expedition of Christopher Columbus to the New World.
It was on Columbus’ second expedition that he found the exotic fruit, the pineapple, deriving its name from its pinecone look and the sweetness of an apple. Finding this delicious fruit and bringing them back to Europe was an instant hit amongst Europeans all over. With regards to Charleston, South Carolina, the story of the pineapple originates with the colonial period of the Holy City. Because the pineapple, at the time, was considered a luxury item it made it hard for commoners and locals to obtain the fruit. Sailors would sail all over the world and come back to Charleston, being a major port city at the time; this made the pineapple a symbol of places far away.
As part of the sailors coming back into port and arriving home the pineapple became a sign of sailors arriving home safely. Sailors would spear a pineapple on their fence post to symbolize that they have arrived home safely. Displaying the pineapple meant it was an open invitation for neighbors to come in and enjoy food and drink or to exchange stories. With the pineapple being so exotic at the time and harder to come by, when going to a home if the host were to offer you a pineapple it generally meant that they wanted to impress you.
The giving of pineapple was also to showcase the host’s wealth and/or their ability to care for guests. This is one way that the pineapple became a sign of hospitality as well as its “welcoming” connotation origins. Another way the pineapple has been used to show hospitality part from spearing them on fences or giving them away was to display one in the middle of a feast to symbolize welcoming and hospitality to visitors, this was mainly done at festivals.
THE PINEAPPLE IN B&W
The pineapple has rooted itself into the spirit of the historical town of Charleston as well as into the lives of local Charlestonians. Everything from menus and jewelry to the impressive pineapple fountain itself. It isn’t hard to find pineapple or some sort of iteration of it in the Charleston area.
There are plenty of hidden pineapples around town other than the pineapple fountain itself. Capturing this Charleston landmark was one of the easiest things for me to shoot around town. The reason being is because the beautiful ocean and sunset make this fountain very photogenic and ideal to capture the essence of Charleston.
To experience this gorgeous and historic fountain, head to Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston down Concord Street across from East Bay Street. Also feel free to sign up for our VIP club to get a chance at winning a free 16”x24” canvas of your choosing and a free complimentary 8”x10” photo of the pineapple fountain on your birthday! Click the link below!
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These photos are:
- Justin