Pineapple tattoo, although may seem just a colorful design, is a symbol that has a long history and a profound meaning. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with getting it just because it’s your favorite fruit. It’s juicy, delicious and refreshing taste, made it become a popular tattoo choice in 2016. And until today, you can still find many people getting it. So, if you like this fruit – keep reading. In this article, we are going to take a look at the pineapple meaning and its history. If you are definite about getting it – scroll down – we have selected beautiful ideas for you.
The history of pineapple
Pineapple is a well-known symbol of welcoming and hospitality, especially popular in the southern regions. No one knows precisely when, but the researchers believe that the native Indians in South America used to place the pineapples at the entrance to their home. In this way, they were showing that the people are welcoming, warm and friendly to the guests. Until today, you can find pineapple as a decor element on the houses of the Southern regions. There’s even a tradition to welcome a new neighbor by placing a pineapple by the front door.
Other sources claim that the rise of pineapple as a symbol of hospitality first appeared in the colonial times. When Columbus came back to Europe from his second trip to the Caribbean, the crew took lots of exotic fruits and vegetables with them. One of those fruits was a pineapple. It became a massive hit among the rich and was a total rarity at that time because the trips to South America were super expensive.
For almost 200 years, Europeans were bringing pineapple and other fruits from the New World. Due to the high demand and low supply of this sweet fruit, it instantly became a commodity that was only affordable to the rich. In the late 17th century, it was still such a rarity that even the King of England Charles II posed in a portrait with a supposedly first pineapple grown in England. However, at that time it was probably imported.
Pineapple tattoo meaning
Due to the enormous prices of the pineapples, they became a symbol of wealth. It was the primary accent of aristocrats garden parties, and they were not for eating. They were reusable again and again until began to rot. Only the fastest ships were able to deliver a fresh pineapple, while the majority of the fruits rot in the hot and humid sea climate during the long trip.
Pineapples were also a rarity in the Northern colonies. Often, people were renting them for a day to display at the party. Later, the owner of the pineapple would sell it to a wealthier client for eating. Visitors to such parties felt very important because they knew that the host paid dearly for it. So, that’s how the pineapple also became a symbol of greeting and hospitality.
According to Christopher Cuomo, the pineapple was the fruit of colonialism. Before it became affordable to the masses, it was an expensive commodity just like sugar. So, another meaning of the pineapple is sophistication and uniqueness. Like when you knew and liked something before it was cool. Or it may represent your position against popular and massive things that everybody loves.
Who should get a pineapple tattoo?
People who consider themselves friendly and warm. If you have a lot of friends or if you’re hosting a lot of parties – this is a perfect way to express your personality. By getting a pineapple on a well-visible place of your body, you will show others that you are a warm and kind person. So it’s also perfect for those who like to help other people.
Pineapple is also a symbol of vacation. So, if you’re that type of person who likes to lay on the beach and spend the vacation drinking Pina Coladas – pineapple is an excellent choice. It may also reflect your calm personality and express of what’s most important in your life. Just by looking at it, it could remind you of the sound of the ocean waves and the sand between your feet.
For everyone who likes pineapples. Seriously. Your tattoo doesn’t have to mean anything. After all, you’re getting it for yourself, and you don’t have to explain to anyone why did you get it. Also, it can have any other meaning that we didn’t list here. For example, it can remind you of an unforgettable vacation or some other significant life event. Or it could mark the date of your child’s birth. The point is – be creative. So, if you enjoy pineapples – there’s a reason for ya.
Pineapple tattoo ideas
As you can see, this exotic fruit is full of many beautiful symbols. It is up to you to choose what it means (or doesn’t) to you. Generally, this is a lovely tattoo design that is perfect both for men and women. It doesn’t even matter where are you going to place it; it will look good on almost anywhere on your body. But as always – be sure to go to a professional tattoo artist. Otherwise, you may get something that you didn’t expect. And of course, check out our beautiful collection of pineapples below. We are sure that you will find the inspiration for your next tat!
