There’s a creature you may have never heard of that is getting ready to bust out into the world, taking the stage for the one day of the year that is all about them. Or so they like to believe.
They’re called Burples. No, they don’t burp a lot – the name comes from their colours: burgundy and purple. These fluffy, fabulously photophobic creatures are abuzz with excitement because next Friday, June 6, is Burple Day.
Bindi is coordinating outfits. Bennie’s rehearsing his migraine-friendly power ballads. Billie’s curating a playlist of obscure migraine podcasts and disco remixes. And Betty? She’s whipped up gluten-free cupcakes and is handing out hugs like party favours.
“I thought it was named after us,” said Bindi the Burple, who considers herself something of a cultural icon. “I mean… Burple Day? Come on. It screams Bindi.”
Turns out, Burple Day isn’t technically about them – though try telling that to a creature with custom burgundy and purple glitter nails.
Once Migraine Australia gently explained that Burple Day is about raising awareness of migraine – when people across the country wear burgundy and purple, the international colours of migraine awareness, to show support for the five million Australians living with the condition – the Burples were completely on board.
“Oh! That makes way more sense,” Bennie said, donning a fresh pair of tinted sunglasses. “Migraine? Mate, we live with that.”
Betty, the newest Burple making her debut during Migraine Awareness Month this June, admitted she thought it might have something to do with State of Origin.
“Well, when blue things keep smashing into burgundy things, surely at some point they mix into Burple,” she giggled. “But migraine awareness is so much better. And less messy!”
Now, the Burples are proud ambassadors for Migraine Awareness Month, using Burple Day – always the first Friday in June – to raise awareness and spark conversations about what living with migraine is really like.
“It’s still got our name on it,” Bindi shrugged. “Close enough.”
Meet the Burples
Bindi was the first Burple to make contact with humans (via what we assume was a glamorous email). She’s all about self-care.
“If migraine makes me feel bad, then I do something nice for myself so I feel good,” she says.
Bennie’s spiky-haired rock god energy is often directed at writing love songs for Bindi (who insists they’re just friends).
“Gotta get the message in the music,” Bennie said.
“Migraine’s in our genes, mate. It’s not just a headache – it’s a full-body, full-soul experience.”
Billie is the non-binary Burple with white sunnies and a love of standing out. They’re all about rare forms of migraine.
“People think it’s just headache, but some of us get the room-spinny kind, the tummy-hurty kind, or even the looks-like-a-stroke kind,” they explain.
Billie embraces their uniqueness. “I’m proud to be a Burple, but I’m proud to be me too. Migraine doesn’t get to tell me who I am.”
Betty is the newest and warmest Burple – with a big smile, a gentle giggle, and a love of pottering around like everyone’s grandma.
“She smells like lavender and hot tea and always remembers your birthday,” Bennie said dreamily of his newest friend.
“Oh shush now and have a cupcake,” Betty said.
Wear it loud (but not too loud)
This Burple Day – Friday June 6 – Migraine Australia is calling on everyone to wear burgundy and purple to show support for those living with migraine.
You don’t need to adopt a Burple (though they do look excellent on a t-shirt), but you can help raise awareness of one of Australia’s most misunderstood chronic conditions.
Keep it low light, low noise, and high impact by posting your #BurpleDay selfie to the socials.
Also keep an eye out for buildings lighting up in purple throughout Migraine Awareness Month, and connect with the migraine community through Migraine Australia’s website, email list, Facebook page and network of support groups – they’ve even got a support group right here in the New England.
And if you spot a Burple? Give Betty a hug. She’ll love that.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au