You do not come around questions such as ‘What does it mean to have a red porch light?’ unless you have witnessed a funky colored porch light yourself. But there may be other reasons for which you have initiated this query. Porch lights can mean something if you choose that angle instead of using them as an illumination tool. This is not as common knowledge as it should be. We do not have a lot of physical measures of spreading awareness these days as most social work uses digital platforms to do that. Having something as essential as a light bulb on your porch used as a tool for awareness seems like an old fashioned way of showing solidarity and more people should know about it.
Apart from sending out a message, light plays a significant role in your mood and quality of living even if it’s not inside the house. The psychological effects of different light colors can be essential. Let’s look at different colored porch lights and what they mean for different causes:
Red porch light
Apart from some commonly celebrated events associated with the color red such as Christmas, Halloween and Valentine, red is also associated with American Heart Health. You may see the overpowering color multiple times a year around shops and markets. Merchandise and other festivities all come in this color due to its relevance with different festivals and events. Apart from all these festivities, there is a pressing issue that red is connected with and answers ‘what does a red porch light mean?’
Heart health is a major concern in America as per the US Health Department. Usually during February, people use the red porch light to spread awareness about heart diseases and issues related to our main driving organ. Therefore, unless someone is a ‘The Purge’ enthusiast, ‘What does having a red light on at night mean?’ usually points towards raising awareness regarding heart health.
There was a brief period of time when rumors of using red to show that a house is gun-free were circulating. Many people bought the idea but it was since disclosed that there is no such official movement.
Purple porch light
Purple light on the porch is a way to show your support and recognition of domestic violence and its survivors. There is a trend of attaching colors to social issues and it can be a good thing in order to build community based awareness and combat the issues. Purple is therefore attached with domestic violence, which is a severe issue that requires attention and understanding. According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. These are staggering numbers and they only account for intimate partners, not other family members. The purple porch light can mean a huge deal if people utilize it to show their support to the victims. Not only that, but it also provides a sense of safety among the people you live near, are related to and other fellow citizens.
Blue porch light
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April to be Autism awareness month. Every year, they hold different and updated series of talks and discussions around how to create a society that is more inclusive and accepting of differences. Autism is a developmental disorder much like other neurodivergent conditions. It is a rather common disorder, especially in the US. Ever since this development, blue became a symbol to raise awareness about Autism during the month of April. Many people are in the dark about such things, which really takes away the essence of having a blue porch light. It’s an effortless way to show support that could use any and every additional participant to raise awareness.
Another use of the blue light is to show solidarity with police officers and their loved ones for their contribution in a safe society. Many people would argue and this can get controversial now especially since the BLM movement has resurfaced since last year. But those that believe in the institution still do utilize this way to honor police officers.
Green porch light
Veterans Day might be the most known among the US citizens. It is celebrated on the 11th of November, to highlight the Army’s contribution in serving their country. It is a day many folks around the country light a green porch light. War veterans form a significant part of US citizens as many people enlist in the Army to serve their country and take pride in it. This day is to recognize those that spent their lives defending the countries officially.
Apart from that, St. Patrick’s Day might also bring a few green porch lights into your vision. It is one of the many large religious and cultural celebrations that takes place in March. Green is also the color many usually visualize when they think of purity and spirituality, therefore it is also used while creating awareness about incurable diseases. Lyme Disease Awareness is a time when green is highlighted again.
These are all the colors used by common people to create awareness about various issues. You can learn about each of these to find organizations to donate to, in case you want to extend your support farther than raising awareness. Upon a very quick Google search, you will be able to find all your relative charities and organizations working for different causes.
