SIKHISM The Sikh emblem, Khanda, contains a ring of steel representing the Unity of God, a two edged sword symbolizing God's concern for truth and justice, and two crossed swords curved around the outside to signify God's spiritual power.

ORIGINS 16th century India Rejected many teachings of Islam & Hinduism Islam and Hinduism were the dominant religions of India at the time. They were persecuted by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India, so they were organized into an elite fighting force by their 10th guru, Govind Singh, which may explain the prominence of the dagger in Sikh symbolism. The word Sikh means disciple Disciple: follower, in this case a follower of the Sikh gurus.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE Based on teachings of Guru Nanak & 10 gurus who followed him 10th guru, Govind Singh, organized Sikhs into strong fighting force to defend themselves from Mughals The Mughals were Muslims and their empire included India. Their skill as warriors allowed them to conquer most of the Punjab by the 18th century. Sikh soldiers also formed a large part of the British army in India during the days of the British Empire.

CORE BELIEFS Only one God Holy book: Guru Granth Sahib (contains teachings of 10 gurus) Reincarnated until union with God achieved by resisting evil Don’t believe in the caste system; believe everyone is equal in eyes of God. The Guru Granth Sahib is seen as the successor of the 10th guru, Govind Singh, and is the final guru. The GGS also contains verses by Muslims and Hindus.

THE FOUR COMMANDMENTS No removal or alteration of the hair Do not eat flesh Do not commit adultery Do not use tobacco or other intoxicants Many Sikhs are vegetarian and all food served at gurdwaras is vegetarian

THE FIVE Ks Kesh (uncut hair): a gift from God Kangha (comb): cleanliness Kara (steel bracelet): morality & unity Kirpan (dagger): respect, justice, duty to defend others Kaccha (undergarment): modesty 5 Ks = articles of faith traditionally worn by Sikhs Of particular concern is duty to defend those in danger, possible link to early persecutions of Sikhs in Mughal empire Traditionally the kaccha meant that a man would be ready for battle at a moment’s notice because he would not need to get dressed to fight.

TURBANS & CHUNNIS Men typically wear a turban. Women wear either a turban, chunni (headscarf) or a combination of both. Sikhs cover their heads for several reasons: to protect kesh to guard a spiritual opening on the head as a reminder to live by Sikh principles

WORSHIP Worship in a gurdwara. Upon entry, Sikhs remove shoes, cover heads, bow to Guru and leave offering Communal meal after service No designated holy day Gurdwaras are open to everyone, regardless of their religious background. Money, flowers and food are typical offerings While there is no designated day, a weekend day is most common in North America and most festivals require Sikhs to visit their gurdwara. At the gurdwara there is no equivalent of a priest to lead the service, but a Granthi (a person whose job is to read from and care for the GGS) will read from the Guru Granth Sahib. A Giani, someone who has completed detailed study of Sikhism, can lead prayers and help others interpret scriptures. Both these positions are open to men and women as men and women are seen as equal though they do sit separately in the gurdwara.

IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS Festivals, called gurpurabs, celebrate lives of gurus and martyrs Vaisakhi: Sikh New Year & birth of Sikhism Parkash Divas: celebrates when Guru Granth Sahib became eternal guru Bhandi Chhor Divas: often celebrated near the time of the Hindu festival of Diwali so there are some similarities in how they are celebrated.

IMPORTANT LIFE EVENTS Naming Ceremony: Guru Granth Sahib opened at random & 1st letter of 1st word becomes 1st letter of child’s name Amrit: Baptised & become Sikh Marriage Death Ceremony: cremation & ceremony known as the Bhog where special prayer is read Naming: First names are unisex, female Sikhs take the middle name Kaur (princess) and male Sikhs take the name Singh (lion) Marriage is seen as the union of two souls into one where the Guru is the core of their life Because of a belief in reincarnation/unity with God, mourning is discouraged