If You See a Purple Porch Light, This Is What It Means

Updated: Mar. 07, 2024

People use colored lights to bring awareness to a variety of different issues. Here's the meaning of purple porch lights.

If you take a walk around the neighborhood, you’re likely to see holiday decorations and flags. But some people will be using colorful porch lights to help draw attention to certain social issues. For example, green porch lights bring awareness to veterans’ issues, and red porch lights show support for American Heart Month. But that’s not the only spotlight on the block! Here’s a closer look at the purple porch light meaning.

What does a purple porch light mean?

If you ever see a purple porch light, pay attention. It’s there to bring awareness to incidents of domestic violence. The situation can go undetected for far too long, especially if victims feel they cannot leave due to a dangerous response from their attackers.

The Purple Light Nights movement not only aims to increase awareness of domestic violence but also show those who suffer that there are safe spaces and people who stand with them. The movement’s motto is “shine a light and save a life.” Sometimes victims themselves will use a purple porch light to stand in solidarity and show it can happen to anyone.

It’s not the only color for a cause

Purple probably won’t be the only porch light color you’ll see. People use red porch lights to highlight women’s heart health. And blue porch lights, like blue Halloween buckets, are to help bring awareness to people with autism.

You may find that some neighbors use colored lights just for seasonal decoration or to add some flair, but remember that each color can also stand for something more meaningful. That’s a spotlight we can get behind! Next, find out what it means if you see a purple-painted fence.

Taste of Home
Originally Published on Taste of Home