1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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