With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to get your costume ready and plan your trick-or-treating route. People across the country have been busy putting up Halloween decorations to celebrate the spooky season.
But while many of us are enjoying carving or painting pumpkins, some might not realise that pumpkins can mean more than just a Halloween decoration. Pumpkins are typically orange, but in recent years, people have spotted multi-colours pumpkins in front door steps and children carrying different coloured buckets.
Many of these colours could be a sign that a child has a particular health or mental problem. Whether that be an allergy, intolerance or is on the autism spectrum, so it's important to be aware of what the different colours mean if trick-or-treaters come to your house over the coming days.
Blue
Blue is associated with children who are autistic or are on the autism spectrum. Blue pumpkins and buckets became prominent after an American autism awareness campaign went viral.
A children physiotherapist in America explained to the Daily Record: "Blue Pumpkin Project for Autism Awareness - if you see someone carrying a blue pumpkin while trick or treating, please consider that they may have autism. This means that speech may be difficult as well as their ability to interact with you. Be extra kind!"
Teal
According to Good HouseKeeping, teal is used to signify that a child has a food allergy or intolerance. Neighbours or anyone planning to offer out sweets or chocolate to trick-or-treaters should be aware that a child may not eat the usual chocolates or sweets and might appreciate a non-sweet treat such as temporary tattoos.
Purple
Purple means that a child has epilepsy and/or is carrying an epi-pen or that the child or parent is being cautious with their health. This might mean that they wear a mask or socially distance from houses.
Other colours:
While these colours represent a health disorder a child may have, there are others that have larger meanings:
- Pink buckets are often used for Breast Cancer Awareness and raise money for breast cancer research.
- Orange buckets represent fire or a light in the darkness - this colour also celebrates the autumn harvest season.
