1. Extra! Extra! Read All About it!
Of Cultures and Customs of the Sikh People
By: Miryam Christensen, Multicultural Education Reporter

2. Sikhism

3. Religions, Customs, and Cultures…
The Sikh culture and religion is one I have very little knowledge about, due to limited exposure and being born of Western European lineage. Cultures and religions of the world intrigue me, so I would like to report my findings and insights about this fascinating religious & ethnic group. In addition, I will look into the customs of religious life that parallel my own.
Religions, Customs, and Cultures…

4. I remember as a child in Colorado, I would sometimes see a Sikh in his turban and wonder where he came from and why he wore it. I always thought it was a custom for his geographical heritage; something worn to keep him from overheating in the hot desert sun. I had a lot to learn…

5. Origin of Sikh Religion:
“Punjab has come to be regarded as the spiritual homeland of Sikhs everywhere” (Nesbitt, p. 8)
Drawn from the Hindu tradition
“Sikhism has evolved into a separate religion in terms of Sikhs’ self- definition, and because Sikkhism has all the markers of a religion. These include a separate scripture and calendar, separate life-cycle rites, places of worship, and a sense of shared history…Sikhism cannot be fully understood in isolation from its religious, social, and historical context.” (Nesbitt p. 4)

6. Terms:
Sikh: the learner
Guru: the teacher; also a name for God

7. Who is a Sikh? Definition: Any human being who faithfully believes in:
One immortal Being
Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh
The Guru Granth Sahib
The utterances and teachings of the ten Gurus The baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru
Who does not owe allegiance to any other religion
Who is a Sikh?
Nesbitt (p.2)

8. Beliefs
 There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions.
 The soul goes through cycles of births and deaths before it reaches the human form. The goal of our life is to lead an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs should remember God at all times and practice living a virtuous and truthful life while maintaining a balance between their spiritual obligations and temporal obligations.
 The true path to achieving salvation and merging with God does not require renunciation of the world or celibacy, but living the life of a householder, earning a honest living and avoiding worldly temptations and sins.

9.  Sikhism condemns blind rituals such as fasting, visiting places of pilgrimage, superstitions, worship of the dead, idol worship etc.
 Sikhism preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God. It teaches the full equality of men and women. Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.
Men are required to cover their hair with a turban; women are able to choose

10. Code of Conduct: Rehat Maryada
This includes values & code of conduct for:
Ceremonies
Funerals
Daily conduct
Worship conduct
Daily rituals and values

11. Of Turbans and Swords: Articles of Faith Intended to distinguish Sikhs from Muslim and Hindu contemporaries
5 required outward signs of being a Sikh:
Kesh (uncut hair) tied in knot: disciplined holiness
Kangha (comb) worn near hair: cleanliness & purity
Kirpan (sword) symbol of Divine knowledge; taking care of the weak
Kachh (cotton breeches): modesty
Kara (steel or iron bangle):do good deeds
Turban for men often written in requirements
Nesbitt (p )

12. Worship
Gurdwara: Place of worship (room in home or separate building, etc.) where three major proceedings take place:
Kirtan: Singing of hymns
Katha: Reading of teachings
Langar: Free Kitchen for any and all people
The Guru Granth Sahib: Sikh holy teachings containing writing by its religious founders and scriptures from other faiths, including hymns, prayers, and verses
When entering the gurdwara, shoes are removed, hands (often feet) are washed, and all participants sit on the floor to symbolize equality, standing during prayer. Gurdwara is open 24 hours and community freely donates time or money for maintenance. (Nesbitt)

13. Nam Karan, Naming of a Child
Traditions & Customs:
Nam Karan, Naming of a Child
Amrit Sanskar, Baptism Initiation into brotherhood
Funeral Ceremony: Death is a natural process of God’s will
Sikhs celebrate Divali, festival of lights, alongside the Hindu & Day of Rakhi
Akhand Path: The non-stop cover to cover reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Gurpurbs: Important anniversaries related to Gurus (Nesbitt)

14. Families
Family life is the goal of every Sikh in order to contribute to Waheguru’s creation
Chastity is an important trait of Sikh conduct, including modest dress; sex for procreation
Monogamy is the rule in Sikhism
A male Sikh should consider all females older than him as his mother, equal in age to him as a sister, and younger than him as a daughter.
Family structure: sense of belonging, including community, extended family, etc.)
(BBC)

15. Women in the Sikh Culture
Many Sikh women are very educated, including doctors, professors, teachers, attorneys, humanitarians
Advocate for human rights
"Love permeates all aspects of our lives and drives our actions and responses to the world, not only in our intimate relationships but also as parents, as community members and professionals in the world,” (Huffington Post)
Natural born leaders: decision makers, serve family & community
“With a career spanning six decades, Amrita Pritam produced more than 100 books. She represents the rise of Sikh women in the humanities -- writers, artists, filmmakers, and scholars.”
Mai Bhago fought to defend her people when a siege against her town took place
Prakash Kaur works to rescue abandoned girls 
Women in the Sikh Culture

16. Sikhism in the United States
Sikh ideals find kinship with America's founding principles, including religious freedom.
Sikh teen: perspectives on American life
This is an honest interview with a Sikh youth. This is an example of why cultural diversity education is important in our schools. What could the teachers have done better to eliminate the bullying and create respect and understanding of this young man’s core values?
The Sikh Next Door: A fantastic interview with Sikh youth about their faith & customs:
Sikh Americans: A short perspective (prejudices & acceptance)
Sikhism in the United States

17. American Sikh

18. Men in Traditional Dress

19. Women in Traditional Dress
Sikh women may or may not be seen wearing head coverings; if so, they are loosely wrapped.
The chuni (above) is a powerful yogic
tool for women to enhance the auras.
Salwar Kameez: Traditional Punjabi suit
Women in Traditional Dress

20. Modern Day Sikh Fashion
Men: Sikh fashion
Modern Day Sikh Fashion

21. Interesting facts:
In 2004, an NY police officer was dismissed because he refused to remove his turban.
Many Sikh men are clean-shaven, have short hair, and turbanless
Women can participate in any religious function or perform any Sikh ceremony or lead the congregation in prayer.
Guru Hargobind respected women and declared, "women is the conscience of man".
“Sikh devotees are supposed to go into each relationship and task with the mindset of love.” (SJ Mercury News)
Half a million Sikh in the US

22. Wrapping the Turban

23. Shared Core Values… Shared Core Values Sikh Faith My Personal Faith
Family life
Sikh goal to contribute to creation
Family is central to the creator’s plan
Chastity
Chastity and modesty are traits of conduct; no premarital sex
Modest dress, chastity are a way of life: no premarital sex
God
One God; same for all people; remember at all times
God is the Father of us all Remember at all times; we are His hands
Worship
Sing hymns, pray, read from scriptures: show dedication
We sing, pray, read from scriptures, teach one another, study to remain faithful
Men & Women
Men and women are equal and each participates in worship
Men and women: partners who share responsibilities with worship activities & service to others
Symbolism
5 outward articles symbolize their commitment to God
Symbolism in our dress standards, scriptures & family life to remind us of our commitment to God
Health Code
Refrain from alcohol and (some) meat; harmful to body-- for mental & physical health
Health code: Healthy food & grains; refrain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, addictive substances
Shared Core Values…

24. Conclusion & Personal Insights
This study has caused me to learn and understand many things:
I have gained a greater knowledge and respect of the Sikh culture and its followers; it’s a way of life, as my faith is for me
I have found how similar we are in our devotion to God and our families.
In order for me to be a culturally responsible educator, I must take accountability to learn more about the cultures my students come from and how to make them feel accepted and comfortable
There is a definite investment in time and preparation to be effective and inclusive in a multi-cultural classroom
Understanding cultures more deeply creates a greater desire & acceptance to integrate them into our school community
Understanding the customs and beliefs of other cultures provides more insights and tools for me to effectively meet their needs through effective instructional strategies.
Conclusion & Personal Insights

25. As I have taken the opportunity to learn about the Sikh faith and culture, one I knew little about, I have learned how important it is for me to study and learn about the cultures around me. I have gained a greater passion and respect for their way of life and the outward symbolism of their personal dedication and commitment to their God. Although I know there is much more I do not know about the Sikh beliefs, I feel more informed and prepared to converse with students and parents I work within this culture. Validating students and respecting their traditions and customs will help me create a more accepting and safe classroom environment. Embracing and recognizing our differences builds positive relationships within our communities, creating stronger ties and commitment toward our common goals to: build VS tear, lift VS lower, love VS dislike, understand VS misjudge.
Where I am Now…

26. Citations:
Sikhism : Charmides, Laches, Lysis, Meno by Nesbitt, Eleanor, Oxford University Press, UK, (2005)
Sikhism, Religion of the Sikh People. Retrieved from
Jessica Yadegaran (October 15, 2014). Sikh-American women on love and life. San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved from
Valerie Kaur (May 22, 2012). Ten sikh women you should know. Huffington Post. Retrieved from
Citations