Halloween Pumpkin Color Etiquette

Today's Halloween weather in St. Louis reminds me of the crap weather I grew up with in Wisconsin. There were several years I would have to wear my Halloween costume underneath my snowsuit. I can remember many times going up to a neighbor's door. Ringing the doorbell and saying Trick 'O Treat. Under my snowsuit, I am a (fill in the blank costume). This year, sadly, many little St. Louisan Kiddos will have to endure the same fate.

Even though the weather is very reminiscent of my childhood's cold October nights, Trick 'O Treating is so much different than when I grew up. Kids nowadays can carry more than just a plastic orange-colored pumpkin. They can actually choose a different colored plastic pumpkin, and each color has a purpose.

Pink pumpkins mean Girl Power. You may see several little girls rocking those pumpkins tonight.

On a more serious note, there are also teal-colored and blue-colored plastic pumpkins. Pay close attention. There is a difference between the two shades of blue pumpkins.

The teal-colored pumpkin came about five years ago. It actually started a movement called the Teal Pumpkin Project. When you see a child carrying this colored pumpkin, it means they have severe food allergies. Many adults who hand out candy have become very conscious of this matter, so instead, they will hand out little toys, stickers, or glow sticks.

The blue-colored plastic pumpkin is a fairly new trend. This pumpkin alerts adults that the child has Autism. He or she may be very shy, or possibly slow to pick out a favorite piece of candy.

No matter what colored plastic pumpkins kiddos are carrying tonight, let's hope everyone has a great time. It's going to be darn cold. Stay warm! And remember...you can still wear your costume underneath your snowsuit.