P. A. Chacko SJ
Puprple Day is meant to raise awareness about epilepsy and to dispel myths and superstitions around this neurological disorder.
Medical acience tells us that epilepsy is a chronic disorder in the central nervous system. Therefore, it is called neuroloical disorder.
It causes abnormal brain activity, often leading to siezures, spasms, sensations, loss of awareness, stiff phystical vibrations etc.
Myths and superstitions have revolved around this scientifically explainable disease. Ancient Greeks were said to have understood it as a ‘sacred disease’ associated with the divine.
Romans were not far behind. They saw it as a contagious disease and the affected person was described as moonstruck.
In Africa epilepsy has evil spirit connotations and, hence, witchcraft is resorted to.
The Bible also makes a reference to epilepsy by stating in the Gospel that Jesus healed the boy with seizures by driving out an evil spirit. (Mark 9:17-27 or Matthew 17: 14-18 or Luke 9:37-43). The event has to do with Jewish belief.
This may explain why many modern-day Christians believe that epileptic seizures are caused by spirits rather than medical causes.
In 1494, an author named Malleus Maleficarum wrote a book called “The Hammer of Witches”. He asserted that “witches had special powers that account for epileptic seizures.”
Over here in India, especially among illiterate folks, epileptic seizures are seen as caused by otherworldly or inexplicable elements or spirits. Even today, we see people taking patients to witch craft practitioners. My own cook, after a seizure, rushed to a ‘guru’, without listening to my instruction that I would get him treated in a hospital.
In Christian religious circles, Saint Valentine is recognised as the patron saint for epilepsy.
Good information.
Ek Naya Din (A New Day), is a feature film conceptualised by Vijaya Nath Misra, a practicing neurologist. The movie has tried to bust the myths and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy through the story of an educated family caught between superstitious beliefs and modern values.
