The sight of a green porch light brings many questions to mind. While most know it represents some kind of support or remembrance, the specific meaning is often a mystery. In fact, the tradition only started in 2013 with a campaign by Walmart.
Since then, it has ballooned to encompass various causes, holidays, and even year-round home ambiance. The rich symbolism behind the green hue offers hope and renewal. But sometimes the goal is simply to spread Irish cheer or create a relaxing porch vibe.
As you look around your neighborhood this season, see if you can spot the different types of green glow. There’s a good chance they represent an awareness campaign, honor veterans, signify St. Patrick’s Day, or provide a holiday-free atmosphere.
The next time you see a green porch light, consider the unique story it tells.
Tips For Green Porch Lights
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- Check if your town or community has any specific green porch light initiatives, like for Veterans Day or Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Knowing if there is an organized local effort can provide context.
- Notice when the green lights happen – if the lights are only up during Veterans Day week, it likely signifies honoring veterans specifically. If up year-round, it may be for overall support.
- Don’t assume what the light means – while green often means veteran support, it could also be for other causes or just decoration. Ask your neighbors directly if you want their specific meaning.
- Consider joining in and displaying a green light yourself to show solidarity and increase awareness. Getting an LED bulb makes participating easy.
- Use green lights as a conversation starter in your neighborhood. Spark discussion around veterans’ needs, Lyme disease, or other causes that green lights support.
- Post a photo of your green porch light on social media to further spread awareness. Include relevant hashtags for the cause you are highlighting.
Honoring Veterans
The original purpose of green lights was to honor veterans. Walmart jumpstarted the movement in 2013 as part of their commitment to employ veterans. They encouraged people to switch their porch light to green on Veterans Day weekend and share photos on social media with the hashtag #GreenlightAVet.
While Walmart has discontinued its Greenlight a Vet initiative, the tradition continues. Green is meant to symbolize hope and renewal for veterans returning home. It also matches the color of military uniforms. Schools, churches, businesses, and private homes now display green lights to thank veterans for their service.
Veterans Day and Memorial Day are key times to participate. But many leave their light green year-round as a daily recognition. If you know someone who served, switching your porch light to green is a simple way to show your gratitude.
Supporting Military Members
The green light has expanded to include active-duty military members. The color green is associated with military uniforms and equipment. So it’s an easy way to signal your appreciation.
Some families with members deployed will use a green light to honor their loved one serving abroad. It shows pride and provides hope for their safe return. Others choose to keep a green glow as a daily reminder to pray for the safety of all active military personnel.
Spotting green lights in your neighborhood is a great reminder to reflect on the sacrifices of service members. Switch your own light to green in solidarity with those currently serving in the military.
Lyme Disease Awareness
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Those affected by the disease or hoping to raise awareness will often use lime green lights.
Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. While Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose, it can cause severe symptoms and complications if left untreated. Over 300,000 people are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Green represents the color of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It also symbolizes hope for those suffering from Lyme’s potentially debilitating symptoms. Mark Lyme Disease Awareness Month by changing your light to green during May.
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th is one of the most popular dates for green lights. The color green is iconic for Ireland, shamrocks, and leprechauns.
Some towns even celebrate “Green Out Day,” encouraging everyone to wear and display green on St. Patrick’s Day. Houses compete over who can shine the brightest green light. So get in the spirit by lighting up your porch vibrant green!
Green With Envy
Around St. Patrick’s Day you may hear the old Irish saying “green with envy.” Your neighbor may light up their porch green to show friends their Irish pride and make others envious!
A bright green porch light definitely attracts attention. It shows you know how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day right. If you see green glows around the neighborhood, it’s likely Irish heritage and not veterans being honored.
Christmas Displays
Could green lights mean someone jumped the gun with their Christmas display? While red and blue are traditional holiday colors, you probably won’t see green lights in December. The only green typically used is for wreaths and garlands.
But if you do notice an early green glow, it likely has another meaning behind it. Your neighbor may be showing support for veterans or other causes rather than holiday cheer. Unless they’re huge Christmas fanatics, the green is meant for a separate purpose.
Everyday Ambiance
Some people choose green lights simply for ambiance. Green gives off a natural, peaceful vibe. It may remind porch-sitters of relaxing under green trees on a summer night.
Green lights lend a chilled-out, outdoorsy feel to any front porch. They give a warm, welcoming glow without being overpowering. If your neighbor’s lights remain green year-round, it probably just provides the mood they want.
Supporting Causes
The green light tradition has expanded to include various causes. Following Walmart’s lead, campaigns now encourage green lights to raise awareness for issues like:
- Domestic violence
- Down syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Mental health
- Pancreatic cancer
- Muscular dystrophy
The soothing green hue brings hope to those suffering. It also shows you support finding solutions and treatments. Do some research to see if green lights support a cause that speaks to you.
Remembering Loved Ones
Green lights can also memorialize lost loved ones. Families may use a green bulb on the anniversary of a death or loss. It can represent life, growth, and renewal.
If someone in your community has recently died, a green light can show the family you’re thinking of them. It reminds everyone of their vibrant life and legacy.
No Reason at All!
Don’t assume your neighbor has a meaning behind their green glow. Many people simply like how a colored light looks in their yard! With affordable LED bulbs available in every hue, selecting a fun color is easy.
Kids love picking light colors for the porch. It may match their favorite shirt rather than hold any significance. Don’t be afraid to get creative with different shades on your own porch!
How Can You Participate?
Displaying a green light is an easy way to show support and increase awareness. Here are some tips for joining the green light movement:
- Use a green bulb or smart bulb app to control the color. Look for energy efficient LEDs that give off a bright glow.
- Time it for Veterans Day, Memorial Day, St Patrick’s Day, or Lyme Disease Awareness Month. But any time works to honor veterans and causes.
- Share a photo of your light on social media with relevant hashtags for the cause you support.
- Invite neighbors to participate and explain the meaning behind your light.
- Keep your porch light green year-round as a daily sign of appreciation. Look for bulbs that provide long-lasting color.
Let your green light shine as a beacon of hope and support in your community. A simple glow on your porch can speak volumes to veterans, those suffering from illness, and anyone in need. Brighten up your neighborhood while spreading awareness for important causes.
