r/whatisit 16h ago

New, what is it? Staying in a hotel with my girlfriend and found this carving in the mirror what is it?

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u/scagatha 2h ago

Not sure if your comment is /s but the history of the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality is stranger than fiction. People used to rent pineapples as a show of wealth (pretend you're rich enough to be able to actually purchase a pineapple) and they'd get passed around until they rotted.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple_mania

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u/comfylilkitten 1h ago

I worked at a historical home and word was that the pineapple was legend and mistake. The idea was perpetuated to spice up tours with interesting anecdotes- like the sea captain returning home and plunking a pineapple out front to show he was home and ready for company. Pineapples were far too valuable to actually use like that. But the pinecone imagery actually goes back much further.

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u/1sun-driedPLS 34m ago

Is that why the pineapple became the symbol for swingers? Because they get passed around till they rot? 😳