NEW ORLEANS, La. – As Halloween approaches and trick-or-treaters prepare for their candy-collecting adventure, some may notice a variety of differently colored gourds on display this year. These non-traditional pumpkins play a unique role in raising awareness. Here’s your guide to pumpkin colors before you head out for trick-or-treating.
Teal Pumpkins
Teal pumpkin buckets are a vital signal to indicate that a child has a food allergy. The “Teal Pumpkin Project” originally emerged from the food allergy community in East Tennessee. It aims to make trick-or-treating more inclusive and safe for children with food allergies. When you spot a teal pumpkin outside a house, it signifies that the homeowner has non-food treats or toys, safe for all children.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education, one in 13 children has food allergies.
Purple Pumpkins
Purple pumpkins are associated with the “Purple Pumpkin Project,” which seeks to raise awareness of epilepsy. This project was initiated in 2012 by a father in Connecticut after his son’s epilepsy diagnosis. Purple pumpkins on display indicate that someone at that location either has epilepsy or knows someone with this condition.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, over 3.4 million people live with epilepsy in the U.S.
Blue Pumpkins
Blue pumpkins or blue pumpkin buckets serve as a sign that a child may have autism or a sensory processing disorder. While the use of blue pumpkins is not tied to a specific fundraiser or organization, they help raise awareness of autism.
It’s essential to be considerate as children with autism and sensory processing disorders may be non-verbal and could have sensitivities to costumes and decorations.
