Originally from South America, the pineapple was quickly domesticated by the Amerindian peoples. It was not until 1493 that Christopher Columbus discovered the pineapple for the first time, on the island of Guadeloupe. A symbol of friendship and hospitality for the peoples of the Caribbean, the pineapple brought this symbolism with it to Europe, where it was often carved above the front doors of homes in Spain and England. The French word for pineapple, 'ananas', comes from the Amerindian language naná naná, meaning "frangrance of fragrances". An evocative name, a beautiful tribute to this delicious fruit.