Food - Drink
The Pumpkin Color Meanings You Should Know For Trick-Or-Treating
By KAREN GRECO
Despite its roots in ancient rituals, Halloween as we know it today began after World War II, when sugar rations had ended and children could safely go door-to-door in the neighborhood at night. While trick-or-treating is fun, not all kids do well with candies and costumes, so different pumpkin colors alert both parents and neighbors to ensure kids stay safe and have fun.
Blue pumpkins were first put out to raise awareness for autism in 2018, so adults on door duty should be on the lookout for kids carrying blue trick-or-treat buckets since they could be on the spectrum. A blue pumpkin placed outside your home will signal to the guardians of kids on the spectrum that you've prepared your house to minimize any triggers.
Kids carrying teal buckets signify they have some sort of food allergy or sensitivity, so if you have allergen-free treats on hand — think non-food items like vampire teeth or stickers — drop those into the teal buckets. Likewise, a teal pumpkin on a lawn or stoop signals to caregivers of allergy kids that the home offers safe trinkets instead of food.
Purple pumpkins were originally meant to bring awareness to epilepsy, but over the pandemic, homeowners began using them to show that they are taking additional COVID-19 precautions — like wearing masks and offering candy in grab-and-go bags. So, carefully look at the pumpkin colors to ensure that kids have a fun and safe Halloween.