The meaning behind colored pumpkins
Treat-or-treat time is almost here, and that means candy, spooky decorations and lots of pumpkins. Most pumpkins are orange, of course, but this Halloween you might spot ones that are teal, blue, purple or pink. What is that about?
Teal – In 2012, the mother of a child with severe food allergies painted a pumpkin teal (the color of food allergy awareness) to educate her neighbors, and she handed out non-food items instead of candy. Two years later, Food Allergy Research and Education got behind the idea, calling it the Teal Pumpkin Project, and it went viral. Ten years later, it has become a tradition for many families, with or without food allergies, to set out a teal pumpkin to indicate their house offers non-edible treats like stickers, glow sticks, small toys, crayons, tiny tubs of Play-Doh, slime, etc. Visit foodallergy.org and search “Halloween” for more information.
Blue – Likely inspired by the teal pumpkin trend, blue pumpkins are a newer phenomenon intended to raise awareness about autism and sensory-processing disorders. A child with a blue pumpkin pail may be on the spectrum – they may have extra sensitivities or they may be less likely to say a verbal “trick or treat,” but they are prepared to enjoy the festivities like any other child. A blue pumpkin on a porch may indicate a welcoming environment for children on the spectrum, or simply be there to encourage a conversation about inclusivity.
Purple – Purple pumpkins have been around nearly as long as teal pumpkins, but have not necessarily enjoyed the same virality. The Purple Pumpkin Project was created in much the same way – the father of a child with epilepsy wondered what more he could do to raise awareness of the challenges his son faced. It was around Halloween, so he decided to paint a pumpkin purple. Then when people asked why it was purple, he could raise epilepsy awareness and support. Visit epilepsy.com and search “pumpkin” for more information.
Pink – October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and some people show their support with pink pumpkins or pumpkins carved with pink ribbons. Visit nationalbreastcancer.org or see the story on page 25 for more information on Breast Cancer Awareness month.
By Rachel Poe; courtesy photo
