Here’s Why People Put Out PURPLE Pumpkins On Halloween

The holidays were definitely a little bit different last year, and it seems like we might be going the same way this year. When it came to Halloween, we’re always seeing changes in tradition, including a petition to change trick-or-treating to a different day entirely (they have a point!)

Last year, though, along with all the big changes that happened, we also saw a major one around Halloween. If you saw a purple pumpkin or two on porches last year and wondered why, we’ve got the answer.

You Might See Some Purple Pumpkins (Again) This Halloween

Purple pumpkins? What’s the deal? The idea of using brightly-colored pumpkins as a symbol of something specific certainly isn’t new. FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) has helped raise awareness with teal pumpkins for a number of years. Basically, to help trick-or-treaters who might have serious food allergies, those who placed a teal pumpkin outside their door offered non-food treat items instead.

Not only was it beautiful decor to fit the holiday, but it also offered understanding and solidarity to those who might have otherwise found trouble in the traditional practice of trick-or-treating for candy. That’s exactly what we like to hear!

Purple pumpkins have also been popular for a few years, starting in 2012 with the launch of the Purple Pumpkin Project. The color was originally used to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy, helping to support kids and adults who experience seizures.

Last year, the color took on a whole new meaning. With everyone trying to adapt to our new normal—wearing masks, social distancing and consistently keeping our hands clean‚ some parents banded together to create the latest viral Halloween trend: purple pumpkins!

What Do Purple Pumpkins Mean?

Placing a purple pumpkin out on your porch, in your window or on your lawn signifies a safe location for trick-or-treating. While this didn’t completely ease the worries of protective parents, it certainly helped. It’s was also easy way to signal kids, who may have had a hard time understanding why it’s so important to keep safe.

Even though we always want to do what’s going to keep our children safe, it’s difficult to take away something so enjoyable. With rising concerns around safety and social distancing once again, purple pumpkins will hopefully help to ease parents’ minds and keep kids safe.

So if you want to participate, paint a pumpkin, cut one out of construction paper or even just draw one on your windows! The idea is to show kids and parents alike that Halloween can be safe as long as everyone’s practicing social distancing and being considerate of their surroundings. Individually-wrapped candy is key!

Will you be joining the purple pumpkin trend this Halloween?