Rituals and History in Sikhism Some History Sikhism

Rituals and History in Sikhism

Some History • Sikhism emerged in the 16 th century • Guru Nanak is the founder • Guru Gobind Singh is the last guru and established the Kalhasa • Do not have priests because they were abolished by Guru Gobind Singh

History of the Texts • Shri Guru Granth • Included writings originally from the fifth guru • Updated to include writings from the sixth to ninth gurus • Tenth guru had his own set of books called "Dasam Granth”

Rituals • No special time that is considered holy • Memorialize life-events of the gurus • Read special verses on the first of every lunar month • Celebrate the founding of Khalsa

Rituals Continued • Wherever the guru settled was considered holy for the early community • Now the city of Amritsar is considered holy • Home to the “Golden Temple”

Amrit • Amrit, the Sikh ceremony of rebirth takes place in a clean and secluded location at any chosen time. • Must wash hair and wear the five K’s • Must give their assent that they are willing to abide by the rules and obligations

Sikh Pre-Wedding Rituals • Engagement marks beginning of wedding celebrations • Tilak applied on grooms forehead which marks the engagement ceremony • Mehndi is often done the eve of the wedding

Choora • Also known as the bangle ceremony • Bangles are put on by the maternal uncle or aunt • Kalira are then tied to the bangles

Sikh Wedding Rituals

Post-Wedding • Consists of Vidaai or Doli ceremony which marks the end of the celebration • The bride throws back handful of rice over her shoulder as she leaves wishing prosperity for her parents and family