What a Blue Halloween Bucket and Teal Pumpkins Really Mean on Halloween
September 17, 2024
source: PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAYLEIGH/GETTY IMAGES
Halloween is hands down one of the best family holidays, right? It’s all about the spooky decor, the fun costumes, and the sweet treats. But there’s more to it than meets the eye, especially when it comes to making sure every little ghoul and goblin has a great time. Let’s dive into two colorful symbols that are making Halloween even more special – the blue Halloween bucket and the teal pumpkin.
You might have noticed some kids carrying blue Halloween buckets while trick-or-treating. You know, the ones that stand out amidst the sea of orange and black. These buckets aren’t just a fashion statement; they’ve become an unofficial signifier for kids with autism and autism awareness.
Now, let’s rewind a bit. This practice actually started as early as 2018 when parents and caregivers wanted to raise awareness about autism during the trick-or-treat tradition. You see, some children with autism may be nonverbal, so the typical “trick or treat!” as soon as the door is opened may not happen. That’s where the blue bucket comes into play.
When you spot a child with a blue Halloween bucket, it’s a sign that they might have autism, and they might not be able to say those magic words. But hey, that doesn’t mean they don’t want candy just like every other kid. So, being aware of this simple gesture is important. When you see that blue bucket, go ahead and drop some candy in without waiting for the usual prompt.
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about teal pumpkins. You might be wondering, what do teal pumpkins on Halloween mean? Well, it’s all about raising awareness for children with food allergies and food-related medical conditions.
Picture this: you’re decorating your front porch for Halloween, and you decide to paint a pumpkin teal. That teal pumpkin isn’t just there for a pop of color; it’s a signal to let trick-or-treaters know that your stop is food-allergen safe.
See, not all candy is created equal, and some treats can trigger serious allergic reactions in kids. The teal pumpkin lets parents of children with food allergies know that your house is a safe place to visit. You might have some non-food treats on hand, like stickers or small toys, for those little trick-or-treaters who need an alternative to candy.
In a nutshell, Halloween is all about fun and making memories. (And even more in a nutshell, Halloween is COOL!). But it’s also about inclusivity and being considerate of others. When you see a blue Halloween bucket or a teal pumpkin, remember the stories behind these colorful symbols. It’s a way of making sure that every child can enjoy the magic of Halloween, no matter their unique needs or dietary restrictions.
So, this Halloween, keep an eye out for those blue buckets and teal pumpkins, and make sure to spread the word about what they mean. Let’s make Halloween a truly inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Happy trick-or-treating! 🎃👻