Not all legends are true, but they can be very interesting. Most legends start with some truth behind them and over the years are enhanced by those orally passing them on to their friends and family. One of my favorite legends, and where we get much of our connection to pineapples, tells of a renowned sailor in the Colonial days during the infant stages of the United States of America. He and his crew would sail to the tropical islands south of Florida, harvest pineapples, and then rush back to the colonies before they turned mushy.
The timing was crucial since the pineapples didn’t last very long after they were picked. Because it was hard to get a ripe pineapple to share with your family and friends, the pineapple became a type of status symbol. If a pineapple was on the table at a dinner party you were invited to, you would consider yourself very honored and welcomed. Some of the more business-minded would buy extra pineapples and rent them to others who were having a neighborhood gathering. This craze launched the pineapple into its place as today’s worldwide symbol of hospitality. Many hotels, restaurants, and partyware use the pineapple as décor to help people know they are focused on helping their guests feel at home and welcomed as family.
This captain had created a pretty seamless round trip experience for himself and his crew. Although the trip had been streamlined and made on a regular basis, it still took a few months to accomplish. While the captain was away, his family and friends continued to experience all the stuff of everyday life–laughter, sorrow, children’s first steps, marriages, and death. Even though the captiain missed out on these aspects of community life, he and his crew had many adventures of their own. In order to stay connected, he had a particular routine when he returned home from a voyage.
Upon returning to his home port, the captain would unload, clean up and make good with each of his crew members. Then he would tuck an extra pineapple under his arm, gather his gear and head home.
Once home, the captain would spear the pineapple on top of his gate post. This simple act was an announcement to his friends and family that he was home safe and sound and that his home was now open to all who wanted to come and share stories of the colonies and hear the stories of the sea. For the following week or two, anyone who passed the gate post and saw the pineapple knew they were invited to share in the life of their neighbor and friend.
The first time I heard this legend, I got goose bumps as I read it. It encompassed the essence of our passion and longing to see neighborhoods around the world sharing life, meals, and stories with each other. When we decide to put down our differences and pride and begin genuinely sharing life with each other, we begin to change our world into a place that is full of hope and love and goodness. So take a lesson from the captain. Find ways to invite your neighbors into your life, your home, and your hope for the future.