The Simple Meaning Behind Green Porchlights in the Hudson Valley

I noticed something new as I made my way down to Newburgh Brewing Company for WRRV Sessions the other night: a beautiful house with green porchlights.

It was the week before Saint Patrick's Day, so my first thought was that the homeowners were just feeling festive. But as the holiday came and went, the lights remained. It sent me down a rabbit hole to find out the meaning behind the simple gesture.

Red, Blue, Purple, Pink, and Green Porchlights in New York

I was surprised to learn that there are actually many different porchlight colors that all have their distinct meanings. According to lightbulbs.com (they really have a website for everything, don't they?), red, pink, blue, purple, and green lights all signify something special.

Meaning Behind Different Porchlight Colors in New York

Purple lights are reportedly meant to support victims of domestic violence, and blue lights are used for autism awareness (as well as police support). Red lights are encouraged on International Firefighters Day on May 4th, and pink signifies breast cancer awareness. But what about green?

Potential Meaning of Green Porchlights in New York

Luckily, there are multiple sources (in addition to the venerated lightbulbs.com) to confirm the meaning behind green porchlights. While many people certainly use them for Saint Patrick's Day, the United States Army shares there is a far more significant meaning as well.

Green Porchlights Support Military Veterans

Besides celebrating being Irish, green porchlights are meant to show support for veterans of the United States Military. As the United States Army Reserve explains below, there are multiple reasons for the color choice.

Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being, [and] "greenlight" is also a term commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple action of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and "greenlight" them forward as valued members of our communities.

While I may never know the true reason behind the house in Newburgh's decision to change their porchlight color, the potential meaning of support for returning veterans is special. It's a simple act that could mean the world to some of our most deserving friends and neighbors. Speaking of Newburgh houses, check out this impressive mansion below.