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The Meaning of Teal, Purple, and Blue Pumpkins for Trick-or-Treaters and Those Handing Out Candy

Oct 31, 2024 08:08AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Food Allergy and Research Facebook page

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated October 31, 2024


If you're out Trick-or-Treating or handing out treats and goodies to kids tonight, you may see different colored pumpkins around. Teal, purple, and blue pumpkins have emerged to have special coding for those participating in festivities. 

Teal pumpkins

The Teal Pumpkin Project has been around for a number of years and concerns food allergies. According to the organization, one in 13 kids has a food allergy. Houses with a teal pumpkin outside indicate to trick-or-treaters that non-food goodies are available. Some houses will provide options for a candy-related treat and a non-candy item. 

You can learn more about the teal pumpkin project here. 

Blue pumpkins

Blue-colored pumpkins are not linked to any specific type of organization; however, they are starting to become associated with raising awareness for autism or sensory processing disorders. A child carrying a blue bucket can signal to homeowners that they may be non-verbal or struggle with certain decorations, lights, or sounds. 

You can read more about blue pumpkins and autism here.

Purple pumpkins

The Purple Pumpkin Project was started in 2012 by a father whose son had been diagnosed with epilepsy a few years earlier. The goal was to raise awareness of the disorder. According to the organization, over 3.4 million people in the US have epilepsy. Participation in the Project allows people to fundraise for epilepsy research through the Epilepsy Foundation and show others they're not alone in their diagnoses.

To learn more about the purple pumpkin project, click here.