by James Hill

Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette on June 2, 2024

If you head to the local grocery store, you’ll find a lot of produce that you could never grow in Ohio: from oranges to dragon fruit and bananas to the tasty pineapple. For centuries, these exotic fruits were rare and expensive, appearing only at exclusive events. Imagine attending a ball in Regency-era England with the Bridgertons. You would likely see a pineapple centerpiece, a lavish display indicating that no expense was spared for the guests. These extravagant fruits were a status symbol.

From Europe to New England and beyond, the pineapple, possibly due to its longer shelf life for shipping when picked green, evolved into a symbol of hospitality. Even today, you may find hand towels in guest restrooms with pineapple prints. As you’re walking through your neighborhood, look at the architecture: Victorian houses often featured pineapple-shaped newels or door knockers. Cement or cast-iron pineapples commonly greet visitors at the ends of lanes and on fence gates. The tradition of using pineapples as a symbol of welcome is quietly ubiquitous.

In our modern world, the pineapple and its emoji counterpart have taken on a lot of different meanings—don’t Google it!—but it got me thinking:  what is the modern hospitality symbol? I think it’s the rainbow flag. While it can be contentious for some, its bright, inclusive colors are undeniably welcoming.

The rainbow flag first appeared in San Francisco in 1978, designed by Gilbert Baker at the request of City Supervisor Harvey Milk, an openly-gay activist. Following Milk’s assassination that fall, the flag gained wider usage as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement. Initially, Baker’s flag featured eight stripes, including a pink one at the top. However, the familiar “Roy G. Biv” color scheme quickly became the standard.

Over the years, the rainbow flag has continued to evolve, incorporating additional colors and symbolism to reflect a broader spectrum of identities and struggles. In 2017, black and brown stripes were added to include people of color. The following year, the Progress flag was introduced. It features a multi-colored chevron aimed forward, symbolizing even more marginalized groups and honoring those lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as well as recognizing the progress made in treatment.

Today, there are many variations of the rainbow flag, each representing different communities, including allies, trans, pan, nonbinary, and more. You might need a cheat sheet to keep track of them all. Ultimately, however, the core message remains: all are welcome.

June is Pride month. Just as pineapples once signaled hospitality and warmth, the rainbow flag now serves as a symbol of inclusivity and acceptance. Its vibrant colors invite everyone, regardless of background or identity, to feel seen and safe. It is today’s message of welcome and community. For more history about Pride, Harvey Milk, flags, pineapples, or the Bridgertons, visit the public library. Everybody is welcome.