Moving to a new home is exciting but also exhausting, with all the packing, lifting, and endless boxes that seem to multiply no matter how much you unpack. Thankfully, my husband was there to help me sort everything out as we settled into our new neighborhood. Once we got past the chaos of moving day, we turned our attention to making the house feel like home, starting with the porch décor.

While setting up, I noticed something unusual about our street—several houses had porch lights in different colors. The neighbor next door had a red light, which puzzled me, and though I’d heard that green porch lights had something to do with veterans, I wasn’t entirely sure. Then I spotted one that truly caught my attention: a porch lit up with a bright blue bulb. It was strikingly different from the typical white or yellow porch light, and my curiosity wouldn’t let it go until I found out what it meant. Naturally, I began researching the meanings behind various porch light colors.

I learned that they’re not just a quirky decorative choice—these colors often carry specific messages or support important causes. A red porch light can stand for multiple things, such as promoting heart health during American Heart Month in February or honoring firefighters for their service. However, colors can have different meanings depending on the cultural or regional context, so it’s good to be aware of those variations. Green porch lights, as I suspected, are most often associated with showing support for veterans and active military personnel. They are especially common on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, when many households use them to honor those who have served.

Purple porch lights are used to raise awareness for domestic violence, particularly during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as a way to support survivors and spread the message about prevention. Gold porch lights, though less common, hold a deeply meaningful purpose—they are used to raise awareness about childhood cancer, especially during September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. They honor children battling the disease and remember those who have passed away. But back to the blue porch light that started my search.

The most recognized meaning of a blue porch light is to show support for autism awareness. Autism spectrum disorder affects millions of individuals and families, and blue has become the symbolic color for autism-related causes. Autism Speaks, a well-known advocacy organization, uses the “Light It Up Blue” campaign each April, particularly on April 2nd, which is World Autism Awareness Day. Homes and landmarks are lit in blue to promote understanding, inclusion, and support for those on the spectrum. A blue porch light can also represent support for law enforcement. It’s a way to honor and stand in solidarity with police officers, acknowledging the risks they take and the work they do to protect communities.

National Police Week is a time when many choose to display a blue light to show their appreciation, but it can be used year-round as a sign of respect and unity. Participating in these porch light campaigns is more than just swapping out a light bulb—it’s a simple yet powerful gesture that sparks conversations and builds awareness. Seeing a blue porch light can remind neighbors of ongoing efforts to support individuals with autism or to recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers.

It invites dialogue and strengthens a sense of shared purpose within the community. Colored porch lights also contribute to a neighborhood’s sense of identity. Walking down a street lined with different porch light colors gives you a silent snapshot of the causes and values important to the people who live there. In my new neighborhood, seeing blue porch lights gave me a feeling of connection to something bigger than myself. It reminded me that even small actions, like changing a light bulb, can be part of a larger movement for awareness and solidarity. Whether it’s to support autism awareness or law enforcement, the simple glow of a blue light carries meaning and intention.

So the next time you notice a colored porch light, take a moment to remember that it’s often more than just a decorative choice. If the cause speaks to you, consider joining in—it’s an easy, visible way to show that you care about important issues while adding a meaningful touch to your home. As for me, I think it’s time for a trip to the store because I’ve decided my porch will be glowing blue tonight, both as a personal statement and as part of a greater message of awareness and support.