Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures originating from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Despite its prevalence, the condition remains widely misunderstood, often leading to social stigma and isolation. To combat this lack of awareness and foster global unity, the color purple has become the universally recognized symbol for epilepsy awareness. Understanding the story behind this choice reveals a grassroots effort driven by a personal desire to ensure no one feels alone because of their diagnosis.
The Origin of Purple Day
The adoption of purple as the awareness color for epilepsy is directly linked to the creation of “Purple Day,” an initiative started by a young girl in Canada. In 2008, Cassidy Megan, a resident of Nova Scotia, started the movement, motivated by her own experiences with epilepsy. She wanted to encourage open discussion to dispel common myths and reduce the isolation often felt by individuals with seizures.
The first Purple Day event was held on March 26, 2008, as a student-led, grassroots campaign to promote understanding within her community. Cassidy chose purple because lavender was already considered the international flower for epilepsy, but she opted for the more recognizable “purple” for the day’s name. Her initial goal was simply to create a day where people would feel comfortable talking about epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes (EAM) quickly supported Cassidy’s idea, helping to develop the concept into a wider campaign. In 2009, EAM and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation joined forces to launch Purple Day internationally, transforming the local initiative into a global awareness movement. This effort led to the involvement of numerous organizations, politicians, and celebrities, successfully spreading the message to over 100 countries.
The Symbolic Significance of Purple
The color purple holds significant traditional and psychological meanings that align with the goals of epilepsy awareness. Historically, purple has been associated with royalty, nobility, and power, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and dignity. These qualities describe the resilience and fortitude of individuals living with epilepsy and their caregivers.
A lighter shade of purple, specifically lavender, has long been linked to epilepsy advocacy. The lavender flower has traditionally symbolized things that are hidden or isolated, reflecting the common experience of those with epilepsy who feel stigmatized or misunderstood. By embracing the color, the community works to eliminate stigma and promote acceptance.
The calming properties associated with lavender and purple are also relevant to the condition. The color choice is symbolic of the variety within the diagnosis; Cassidy Megan noted that the many shades of purple represent the different types of seizures and individual experiences within the epilepsy community. This variety underscores that no two people experience epilepsy in exactly the same way.
Global Recognition and Awareness Efforts
Purple Day, celebrated annually on March 26th, has become the world’s most visible campaign for epilepsy awareness, uniting people across continents. Wearing purple on this day serves as a simple yet powerful act of solidarity, encouraging conversations and fostering community for the estimated 65 million people affected globally.
The movement is supported by major international epilepsy organizations, which utilize the color to unify their efforts. Beyond wearing purple, global awareness efforts include lighting up prominent landmarks and monuments to increase public visibility. This widespread use of the color helps to dispel common misconceptions and ensures that the realities of living with a seizure disorder are brought into the public eye.
Canada, the birthplace of the initiative, officially recognized March 26th as Purple Day through a legislative act in 2012. This official recognition and the continuous involvement of global sponsors and ambassadors have cemented purple’s status as the international color for epilepsy, ensuring the message of awareness and support reaches people year-round.