Sunday, April 17, 2011

Pineapple Sunday

Pineapple Gate, Saint Philip's Church, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


This elaborate ironwork motif over the entrance gate to Saint Philip's church is actually a stylized representation of a pineapple. For Charleston, the pineapple is significant because it symbolizes hospitality. Stories from 150 years ago tell of sailors returning to port with tropical fruits from the West Indies. They would often hang pineapples above their doors as a sign of welcome. These days Charleston is often voted best mannered city in the USA, and pineapple symbols can be seen throughout the town.


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30 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 17, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    Wonderful warm colors!
    Well done!

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  2. AnonymousApril 17, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    An excellent image again!
    Beautiful ironwork, however it doesn't reminds me a pinapple :)

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  3. LuizaApril 17, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    Very nice! I like pics like this for havin´ a break:-)

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  4. FrankApril 17, 2011 at 4:44 AM

    Very nice colours and details.

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  5. MarieApril 17, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    magnifique, j'aime ces couleurs !

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  6. Frank de JolApril 17, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Excellent composition on the amazing background.
    And interesting description.

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  7. Traveling HawkApril 17, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Nice form and structure, good image!

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  8. VPApril 17, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Fantastic silhouetted shot!

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  9. franzApril 17, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    a much "nicer" symbol than yesterday's, doug! ;-)) not only do i love pineapples, but their symbolic value is most welcome and interesting news, too! nice color of the background! and as to charleston's reputation for good manners, i can second that, though i was there only a very short time (too short, in fact)!

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  10. AstridApril 17, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    I love the shot and the colours are beautiful, thank you for explaining about the pineapple.
    BTW, the picture of the steel wires is fabulous too.
    Love the way you capture things!

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  11. Hilda R.BApril 17, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Wonderful! So great story and photo. Like the bacground color against the iron. Lovely!

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  12. donApril 17, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    What a nice feature of Charleston to have a symbol of hospitality. I'd like to visit there one day. The ironwork makes a fine pattern shot. Very well cone.

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  13. Tammie LeeApril 17, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Awesome photo Doug, looks a bit like a great painting too.

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  14. LúciaApril 17, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Very interesting, a sweet symbol of hospitality, I love pineapple!

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  15. ....peter:)April 17, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Great composition, colour, DOF and silhouettes Doug.....very appropriate for Sunday....peter:)

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  16. alfonsoApril 17, 2011 at 3:49 PM


    · Your last two photos are wonderful. I like how you play with color and shapes.

    · Regards

    ToreCrystal & TheAbsentGaze
    ________________________________
    ·

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  17. LouisApril 17, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    You have some great pictures, like the rebar tangle. The pineapple holds my attention. Somehow I see one of those cheeky lemurs from Madagascar instead of a pineapple. Nevertheless a great picture in pineapple yellow.
    PS. a nice relationship that Charlestonians have with pineapples.

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  18. theaApril 17, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    What a beautiful shot Doug!It looks as if the iron stands before the fire again..I love the sculptured shapes,really beautiful!

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  19. London CallerApril 17, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    That's very interesting!
    People used to do that in the old days here in England.
    But people used the pineapples as a symbol of wealth.
    Back then, only rich people could afford to travel afar to buy such exotic fruit.

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  20. ChristopherApril 17, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    Really cool shot and a great bit of history. Awesome Doug!

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  21. KalaApril 18, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    I like the intricate ironwork against the bright background.

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  22. GinnieApril 18, 2011 at 1:12 AM

    What a great story and motif, Doug. I just got my education. Your presentation is luscious.

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  23. ArashApril 18, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    great composition! nice shot and interestind story behind.

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  24. tedeApril 18, 2011 at 3:38 AM

    Splendid color on this magnificent sculpture, superb shot. Good day.

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  25. KathyApril 18, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Interesting tidbit of history, Doug, and a fitting photo with color to illustrate it.

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  26. OlaApril 18, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    I wouldn't have an idea that this is pineapple, very good picture!

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  27. Martina EgliApril 18, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    What a fantastic artwork. My first impression wasn't a pineapple... I thought I was looking at a person wearing a crown. I love the vibrant yellows and oranges in the background too.

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  28. john4jackApril 19, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    excellent. wonderful patterns and colors

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  29. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    excellent colors and frame
    http://krikis.aminus3.com

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  30. Andrey SamolinovAugust 4, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    Gorgeous color and texture and wonderful patterns forged parts
    Wonderful picture and great mood

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