Displayed at the entrances to Sicilian villas, usually framing the gates,
pine cones, already present in ancient Egypt, Greece and Babylon as a sacred image of immortality,
are one of Sicily’s best-loved icons and several meanings have always been attributed to them.
The first is that of fertility, probably due to the pine cone’s natural characteristic of containing its many fruits.
Traditionally, pine cones were used to adorn the beds of newlyweds, as a reminder of the life-giving force.
The other meaning is resistance,
due to the hardness of the fruit’s resin, which is why pine cones are attached to the front door of Sicilian homes as a good wish.
Today, pine cones are a perfect wedding gift, but also an ideal souvenir of good wishes.
The best known colours are yellow and red, shades that have always been related to Sicily, but blue and green are also much loved and chosen colours.