What Does a Green Porch Light Mean?

You may have seen your neighbours occassionaly change their porch lighting color from white or yellow to green, so we ask what is the green porch light meaning? There must be a good reason, so we ask just what does it commemorate?

There are various possible interpretations of what a green porch light means and why people use this prominantly seen position from the street to display their affiliation.

Green Porch Lighting Meaning

Every November 11th, people in the US honor Veterans Day and it’s on this day that you might see your neighbors adopt a green porch light to support the ‘Green Light a Vet‘ campaign.

The green porch light meaning symobilises the color of hope, renewal and well being, green lighting or encouraging energy and movement towards this often forgotten about group of veterans that served their country well.

The basic but powerful action of changing the entrance lighting to green is intended to be a strong visual trigger to spark a conversation about the veterans and honour them in our communities.

This most likely began with a PR campaign by Walmart promoting that they guaranteed jobs for any veteran who is honorably discharged from the U.S. military. The US supermarket’s rallying cry is for – “America, let’s shine a light on our veterans”

People change one light to green and use social media to share photos using the hashtag #greenlightavet

What Does Green Light Porch Light Mean?

Green porch lighting can also be associated with St. Patrick’s Day in March, and Lyme Disease Awareness in May. It is important to note that this does not just happen in the US; the whole world recognizes green as a symbol of spirituality and disease awareness like Lyme Disease.

• The color green is associated with nature and natural things. Some people might turn their porch lights green in order to show that they care about the environment, or because they are environmentally conscious individuals.
• Green could also represent peace on earth; this is a common significance of the colour around Christmas time.
• You may have seen your neighbors change their porch lights to green to show that they are a member of the Green Party. This is an international political party committed to environmentalism, social justice and non-violence
• For some people, green means money or good luck. This color might be used on porches in order for homeowners to attract wealth and prosperity by offering up their porch light as a beacon
• Some people will use green porch lights to represent a certain color that is important in their life. For example, if someone likes the color red and they want to keep it as part of their personality even though they are no longer at home or around family members who like different colors, then this individual might turn on an outside light that is green
• Someone who wants to pay respect to the Irish might have a porch light that is green. This color, along with gold and white, are considered colors of Ireland and often used in symbols for St. Patrick’s Day or any other day where celebrating Irish culture is wanted.
• Some people use green lights on their porches because they want to show that they are a Kappa. This is an international fraternity, founded in 1909 and incorporated by the State of Louisiana on December 16th, 1935
• Green porch lights might also be used for people who have lupus or Lyme Disease. These individuals want other members of their community to know about what’s going on with them so that they can get help and support. It is important to note that this doesn’t just happen in the US; you might see porch lights that are green for these reasons all over the world
• Some people use a green light on their porches because they want it to signify peace and good will towards others or represent them as happy beings who care about the environment
• You may have seen your neighbors turn their porch lights green in order to show that they are a member of the Daughters of Ireland. This is an international organization with members who live everywhere from Canada to Australia and New Zealand, dedicated to bringing Irish culture alive through various activities and events.
• Many people in the United States show their support of veterans by changing one of their porch lights to green.

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.