Why Paint Pumpkins? Here’s The Meaning Behind the Colors

Fall is coming and you know what that means - it's pumpkin season. Whether it's pumpkin lattes or pies, it's all about the gourd during the autumn months. It's also a time when many families I know paint pumpkins.

That's right, paint. If you've ever wandered around a neighborhood in the fall, you've probably spotted pumpkins that are not the traditional orange but an entire array of colors. Ever wondered what it all means? An article from Parade has quite the list going. Here are some of the ones I've seen in Texas over the years.

Get our free mobile app

LOOK: HERE ARE 8 MEANINGS BEHIND PAINTED PUMPKINS YOU'LL SEE IN TEXAS

Orange

I get it. Painting a pumpkin orange might seem a little redundant, but it's actually a way folks pay respect to the natural beauty of the pumpkin. Orange is often associated with the aspects of fall harvests. Plus, if you're going to carve a Jack-o-lantern, it's got to be orange, right?

Black

A black-painted pumpkin relates to Halloween and more eerie elements like witches and haunted houses. Black pumpkins add that dramatic touch that catches the eye.

White

White signifies purity and innocence so it's a common choice for those who want to change things up from fall colors. White pumpkins are sometimes used in weddings as decor items.

Teal

The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages folks to offer non-food treats for children who have food allergies. A teal pumpkin lets you know there are safe options available for every trick-or-treater.

Pink

Popular during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, pink pumpkins symbolize support for breast cancer research. They're a unique and thoughtful way to raise awareness.

Gold

Golden pumpkins are often associated with luxury and extravagance. Painting a pumpkin gold could be a symbol of prosperity and success. Go for this color if you want to add a touch of elegance to your decor.

Red

One of the main reasons you might choose to paint a pumpkin red is to signify love and passion. Red is universally recognized as the color of love, so a red pumpkin could be a romantic way to celebrate an anniversary or other love-filled occasion.

Rainbow

A pumpkin painted with all the colors of the rainbow is often a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. It signifies celebrating diversity and acceptance of all.

So you see, the colors we choose for our pumpkins are more than just a fun activity, they're an extension of who we are and what we stand for. So the next time you see a pumpkin that's not the standard orange, it may be on purpose. Just like people, pumpkins come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Indeed, pumpkin season is nearly upon us. I never knew how popular pumpkin spice was until I saw entire cities going crazy for this fall-time flavor. There's even a Texas city that makes the list below.