How did the pineapple become the universal symbol for hospitality?

It was given its English name for its resemblance to a pine cone.

Christopher Columbus brought this native of South America back to Europe as one of the exotic prizes of the New World. In later centuries, sailors brought the pineapple home to New England, where a fresh pineapple displayed on the porch meant that the sailor was home from foreign ports and ready to welcome visitors.

Pineapples were the crowning glory of lavish American banquets, and were considered the height of extravagant hospitality. Even George Washington grew them in his Mount Vernon hothouse.

That is why I chose this pineapple design which truly represents a sweet home ~ sweet life.