I live with my ex-husband, and without asking, he changed our porch light to green. When I asked why, he simply said it was “because of his father who passed away,” offering no further explanation. So what does a green porch light actually mean?

Across the U.S., a green porch light is often a quiet symbol rather than just a decoration. The most common meaning is honoring veterans. The Greenlight A Vet campaign encouraged people to use green lights to recognize military service, so if his father served—or valued the military—this may be his way of paying tribute.

Green lights are also used as a personal memorial after someone dies. The color represents renewal, peace, and guidance, making it a symbolic gesture for grief, especially for someone who prefers not to talk about their feelings.

In some cases, green represents mental health awareness, including struggles like PTSD or depression.

Given his brief answer, the light is likely a private way of honoring or coping with his father’s loss. If you need clarity, a gentle conversation later may help, but this may simply be his quiet way of grieving.