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Published byLoren Blair Modified over 7 years ago
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Five K’s Panj kakke Five is very popular in Sikhism – hence 5 K’s
Kakke means the sound “K” from the Punjabi phonetic alphabet 5 k’s apply to all men and women who have taken the Sikh baptism know as Amrit Sanaskar – this involves water being sprinkled on the face of the devotee and a sip being taken, a set of vows being agreed to finally the donning of all the outward 5 k’s (especially if they haven’t done so prior to attending the Amrit ceremony)
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Copy into your books
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One of the 5ks is the Turban
Many cultures/races/ethnic groups wear a type of turban It is often misunderstood or mistaken by the media However the Sikh turban is usually easily recognisable, but there are some minor variations … It an get confusing … take a look at these styles, there are many many more ….
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Take a look at the items QUESTION : Look at a Patka What is a Patka?
Who wears it? Why? The code of applies to all baptised men and women. The only difference would be that some Sikh women would put a lightweight scarf over their turban too (there was a picture of a Texan Sikh with a white turban and scarf. Womens turbans tend not too varied styles, they are usually simpler, often rounder rather than pointed and require less fabric. PATKA A patka is a small piece of fabric which is worn a bit like a rapper might on the head of a child – usually boys only – so that their hair is covered, especially when the go to the Gurdwara. Its made of cotton, any colour is fine. Parents in USA, Uk etc like using the patka for school age children as a turban is too difficult for a young person to look after. Kids also feel restricted with a turban at school as they can’t easily get into the rough and tumble of play. Also if their hair is getting long then typing it up in a bun is all very well but it can get loose over the course of a school day so it’s a bit of added security for the child, school, parent that the hair stays intact while at school/activities. Monty Panesar (England Cricket player) always wore a Patka when he played.
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Monty Panesar wearing a simple Patka
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Kesh Kesh - Long unshorn hair. The keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the will of God. An outward commitment. Cherished symbol handed down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Turban is not technically one of the 5 K’s but practically it is regarded to be so as the Kesh must be covered
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Kangha Small comb worn in a Sikh’s hair.
Represents the importance of discipline and is used to keep the hair clean and untangled. Promotes orderliness and spiritual discipline
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Kara Steel bracelet usually worn on the right hand, but not always.
A symbolic reminder of the commitment of a Sikh to God. Signifies allegiance to the Khalsa Circle is also a symbol of restraint – a constant reminder to be good/truthful Symbol of unity/equality
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THE KIRPAN 'KIRPA' + 'AAN'. 'Kirpa' means an act of kindness, a favor; and 'aan' means honor, respect, self-respect. Symbol of courage, dignity and honour By Wearing a Kirpan a Sikh makes a commitment to stand up for the Truth and against oppression (self-defence/power and freedom) The Kirpan is not a dagger as it is not an article of violence or harm Some Sikhs feel that even calling the Kirpan a ‘dagger’ is disrespectful because of the connotations of the word.
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Kirpan US, Canadian and British courts have always upheld Sikhs’ right to wear the Kirpan as an article of faith Sikhs have won all known Kirpan cases that have gone to court in the United States and Canada; some cases have been dismissed by the courts that have recognised it as an article of faith. According to the Sikh code of conduct, the kirpan is to be worn using a Gatra (a strap that enables a kirpan to be suspended near one's waist or tucked inside one's belt). The implication of this explicit requirement is that the Kirpan cannot be worn as a miniaturised symbol, although some do. To neglect to wear one or more of the Five Ks represents a serious lapse in the Sikh religion. On a plane most airlines state a kirpan must be put in the Hold luggage and miniaturised versions may be worn ie round neck. If anyone has issues with airline rules/guidance - then they cannot travel! Pupils often ask what would happen if they lapsed when they are baptised ie with the 5ks or vows. In that instance if it was a minor thing it would be up to the individual to pray and ask for forgiveness as it is between them and Waheguru. If it was a major lapse and many others in the community have also shown their disapproval, the individual can either just ask for everyones forgiveness and Waheguru’s, or the Gurdwara may feel that the person needs to show remorse i.e visibly worshipping, doing sewa and if the case warranted it they may have to or even choose to be re-baptised, this can only be done in consultation with a Granthi. An individual can be ‘Cast out’ of the faith but the concept of forgiveness and retribution/rehabilitation is very strong and Sikhs believe amends can always be made.
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Kachera Long boxer-like underwear – breeches.
Represents the commitment of a Sikh to monagamy and sexual restraint. Symbolises high moral character - modesty Practical at the time/useful. Particularly emphasised the importance of cleanliness Kacha’s or Kachera’s have come a long way – but the basics of it being drawstring and 100% cotton still stand. Usually white but can be blue too. Colours do not really signify anything.
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Who Are Sikhs? - Sehajdhari - Keshdhari - Amritdhari which is which?
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Answers Amritdhari is the same as Khalsa Sikh = you have taken the Amrit Baptism and wears all five Ks Kesh Dhari means you have kept your Kesh (hair) so you have started your journey towards becoming a baptised Sikh ...sometime in the future - hopefully Sehej Dhari = the most common one, especially in the UK among Sikhs, it means ‘SLOW LEARNER’ you may respect your faith, go to the Gurdwara, participate in the rites of passage, but you have not taken baptism and rarely wear any of the 5ks, except maybe the Kara as its easy to do so They are all male white turban man = Amritdhari, young lad is Sehajdhari and little child is Kesh dhari – obviously the choice to whether keep his hair long or take baptism at a later date will be his choice when he grows up, but clearly in this picture the parents are hopeful and have decided that he should keep a top-knot in the hope that he will embrace the faith
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Make a list of at least three issues for each of the 5 k’s for Sikhs in the UK today
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Questions 1. Explain why the 5ks are important to Sikhs. (5 marks)
2. “The 5ks pose a problem for Sikhs in the UK”. Discuss (8 marks) The 15 mark could be set for homework?
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15 mark exam practice question
“It should not matter what symbols a Sikh wears, what matters is their devotion to their faith”. Discuss (15 marks) You might want to set this as there will be one 15 mark question in the Sikhism exam!
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