It’s the eve of Halloween in the Augusta area. Costumes are ready, candy bowls are waiting, and porch lights are about to flip on. But there’s a detail many people still miss—not all buckets mean the same thing.
While many of the vibrant colored buckets match costumes or are those individuals’ favorite colors, some carry quiet messages about inclusion and awareness. If you spot a blue, teal or purple Halloween bucket this year, pause before assuming they are just a simple decoration.
Those colors have purpose, especially for trick-or-treaters with autism, food allergies or other exceptional needs. And yes, sometimes the person holding that bucket might look older than expected. However, that doesn’t mean they’re too old to participate in Halloween activities.
The blue bucket movement started several years ago to help identify trick-or-treaters on the autism spectrum who might be non-verbal or struggle with social interaction. According to the National Autism Association, the idea behind the blue bucket is simple: the color quietly alerts neighbors that a person may communicate or behave differently, making trick-or-treating less stressful for families and the individual holding the blue bucket.
So, when someone carrying a blue bucket reaches for candy but doesn’t say “trick or treat,” don’t assume rudeness—assume inclusion. And while many support the blue bucket movement, some autistic adults have raised concerns about this trend. According to NeuroClastic, a platform for autistic voices, blue buckets can unintentionally “out” someone’s diagnosis and make them feel labeled rather than supported.
The takeaway? Recognize the bucket, but don’t comment on the individual’s condition or bring attention to the individual, which may cause embarrassment. Additionally, because many autistic individuals have sensory sensitivities and direct communication anxieties, you may leave a blue bucket out at your front door or on your porch for them to pick an item out of it without being required to interact with anyone directly. Quiet awareness matters.
The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization started the Teal Pumpkin Project to make Halloween safer for kids with food allergies. According to FARE, displaying a teal pumpkin—or carrying a teal bucket—signals that non-food treats are available, such as small toys, glow sticks, or stickers. This simple shift allows individuals with food allergies, intolerances, or feeding restrictions to actively participate. In the CSRA, where candy bars and peanut butter cups dominate the night, having a teal pumpkin on the porch can make a big difference.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the Purple Pumpkin Project began to raise awareness for people living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. A purple pumpkin or bucket on a porch or doorstep doesn’t mean “special treats”—it implies solidarity and understanding. It reminds the community that invisible conditions exist and that kindness costs nothing.
From Augusta to Aiken and Harlem to Hephzibah, community is the thread that ties Halloween together. When you open your door Halloween night, remember that blue pumpkins and buckets often mean autism, teal pumpkins and buckets mean non-food treats, and purple pumpkins and buckets mean epilepsy awareness.
If you are hosting an event and handing out candy, consider adding a teal sign or bucket to show that you welcome every participant. According to a recent article from Axios, awareness of color-coded Halloween signals is growing nationwide—but local adoption often depends on word-of-mouth and neighborly education. That means your porch might be the one that sets the tone for your street and entire neighborhood.
For those who want to make Halloween more meaningful, there’s an easy way to turn your porch into a place of kindness. You can fill treat buckets with small toys, school supplies, or sealed store-bought healthy items such as fruit snacks, popcorn, granola bars, or trail mix.
It’s a thoughtful option for families who want something other than sugar. Neighbors with extensive backyard gardens, farms with extra produce, and households with extra food can also set out a separate bin with surplus harvests, canned goods, or shelf-stable food they no longer need. Adult neighbors walking their children door-to-door may notice and take what helps their household. It’s a quiet, compassionate way to strengthen community ties and fight food insecurity one doorstep at a time.
So what’s the final word? Halloween is supposed to be fun for all who participate in its festivities. If an older teen or adult rings your bell with a blue bucket, hand them the candy and wish them well. If you see teal, respect the allergy note. If you see purple, know someone nearby faces challenges you can’t see. People Magazine recently reported that these colors aren’t just seasonal décor—they’re communication tools that make trick-or-treating more inclusive for everyone. The spirit of Halloween isn’t about who’s too old or too different—it’s about showing up, bucket in hand, for a moment of shared joy. And in the CSRA, a little extra awareness and compassion keep the season sweet for everyone.
Nick Lovett is an independent journalist with over 20 years of experience in news media and marketing. A former writer for Aiken Standard and Fort Gordon’s Signal newspaper, she focuses on human interest stories that highlight resilience, community and positive change.
