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How Different Pumpkin Colors Can Make Halloween More Inclusive

The meaning of Halloween pumpkin colors
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Traditionally, orange pumpkins have adorned doorsteps, but now pumpkins in a variety of colors are appearing in neighborhoods nationwide.

But what do these different colors represent? Each one carries its own meaning. Here's a guide to the significance of colored pumpkins:

Teal

Meaning: Allergen Friendly  

If you're walking by a house and notice a teal pumpkin, it means they may be offering allergy-friendly options — typically gluten-free, nut-free treats or non-food items like stickers and pencils. This tradition began with the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by a food allergy research and education organization, which gained widespread attention in 2014. 

Purple

Meaning: Epilepsy Awareness 

A purple pumpkin displayed outside a home usually indicates support for epilepsy awareness or that someone in the household has a personal connection to epilepsy. The Purple Pumpkin Project, launched in 2012 by a parent of a child with epilepsy, aims to raise awareness and funds for the Epilepsy Foundation.

Blue

Meaning: Autism Awareness

Blue pumpkins are a symbol of autism awareness. If you see one outside a home, it may suggest that a child there may not participate in traditional trick-or-treating and could be sensitive to doorbell ringing. It can also indicate that the household is supportive and inclusive of trick-or-treaters on the autism spectrum.

But these colored pumpkins are not only raising awareness for kiddos. 

Pink

Meaning: Breast Cancer Awareness

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a pink pumpkin at a home’s entrance may show that the resident is either affected by breast cancer or is showing support for those facing the disease.

If you're handing out candy, keep these pumpkin colors in mind and consider offering non-candy alternatives. However, sometimes a pumpkin's color might simply be the child’s favorite!
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For some of the best Halloween activities in North Texas, visit Local Profile’s guide to Top Places To Celebrate Halloween 2024.  

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