I am with my ex-husband and without my consent, he altered our porch light into green. And when I inquired him why, he told me it was because of the loss of his father who died several months before. He made no details. Why? What does green porch light indicate?
One of the most effective symbols that have become reflective to communities across the United States and beyond is green porch lighting. They are used to show hope, solidarity and awareness, especially on the behalf of military veterans, mental health, and other great causes. But what are the glowing green lights really about and what can you as an individual do to become a part of the movement? In this article we are going to explore what their origins are as well as what the color represents and how a green porch light can be used to convey a potent message.
What Is the Meaning of Green Porch Light?
The green porch light is not merely a decoration; however, this is a symbol of unity. The following are the most usual interpretations:
1. Assistance to Veterans
The most popular one is due to the Greenlight a Vet program initiated by Walmart in cooperation with numerous veteran outreach agencies in 2013. Green as a color symbolizes rebirth and good health, and by lighting a green bulb, one demonstrates his/her admiration and encouragement of military veterans who have gone back to the regular life.
2. Mental Health Awareness
Also, during the last years, green lights are associated with the call to raise awareness of mental health. Green resembles a symbol of serenity, stability and restoration; features that have been associated with peace of mind. Green is used by people during the month of May (Mental Health Awareness Month) or during occasions, such as World Mental Health Day (October 10).
3. Broad-based Support & Solidarity
In other communities, green porch lights are put out in are put out in response to an event of tragedy or remembrance like an outbreak of illness, disasters, and in some communities, it is put out as an indicator of solidarity in a silent gesture of strength and survival.
The steps of setting up a green porch light
Ready to turn your porch green and support? This is how you should do it:
Step 1: Picking Your Cause
Choose an issue you want to give support to. The green color can be flexile, however, certain campaigns can potentially indicate certain time or style:
November 11 Veterans Day
May- Mental Health Awareness Month
June 27 PTSD Awareness Day
Local commemorations campaigns
Your motive can guide you to express your message well in case you are asked.
Step 2: Choice of the Right Light Bulb
The following things are possible:
Purchase a green LED bulb: Seek a bulb that is in the neighborhood of medium brightness with the label green LED (using 8W to 10W broadly used quantities).
Install a bulb sleeve or cover: These supersedes a regular bulb and filters out green light. Suitable in short term displays.
DIY green coating: Worst of all you can apply a coloured bulb by using a transparent green glass paint but it is not that strong.
Hint: Energy saving with LEDs that have a longer lifespan- ideal in long-term support.
Step 3: The Green Bulb should be installed.
Switch off the light switch, and make sure that the bulb is cool.
Remove the old bulb in your porch.
Replace the new green bulb by screwing them in or you can apply the sleeve on the original bulb.
Switch the light on again to check.
Also, optional: snapshot and share your photo on social media and use hashtags such as #GreenlightAVet or #MentalHealthAwareness to spread the word.
Step 4: Optional Add a Sign
You can hand out a small sign explaining the meaning of you green light near your porch or on your door if you feel comfortable doing this. Somethin trivial like:
This green light is in tribute of our veterans. Thank you service.”
This allows you to hold discussions and promote awareness in your society.
The Psychology in Green
Green is strongly related to nature, balance, and feeling of security. It is soothing, assists in relief of anxiety, it also serves as a symbol of growth and new beginning which are the purposes of the causes it sponsors. That is why the green color is so strong and suitable to serve as an advocacy, awareness, and remembrance.
An international expansion movement.
The movement of the green porch light has transcended the United States and the movement has traversed the world. Individuals in various nations have adopted the symbol in reference to various causes, by adopting it to bring hope in case of health emergencies or to fight against stigma of mental illness. In any case, the green light is a common signal of solidarity regardless of the place.
Final Thoughts
Turning your porch light green is a gesture that does a world of difference. You see that faint green illumination as a sign of respect to the veterans, as growing awareness of mental health, or supporting a cause that matters to you, that gentle going-green voice is heard that you are one that is strong, that you care, that you stand firm together, in a silent but ever so important way.