ROOP  SINGH

Roop’s parents came over to this country from India.  He was born near Leeds in 1950, and received his name in a ceremony using their holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.  The book is opened at random  and the first letter of the chapter is used to form the name – so it would be the letter R here!  He was given the name Roop.

Roop grew up in the Sikh religion, following their customs and traditions.  He was very keen to wear the turban because his father wore one, so Roop used to try to wear one from a young age.  (Sikhs do not cut their hair because they believe they are as God made them, so they leave their hair long, tie it up and put a turban on to keep their hair in place.)

When Roop went to junior school he was bullied because he wore a turban – youngsters in those days did not understand Sikh traditions.  He asked his mum to go into school to explain to the pupils why he wore a turban, but his mum was too shy to do this.

There were times when Roop was so upset by the bullying at school, especially when lads tried to pull this turban off, that he nearly decided to cut his hair, but Roop wanted to keep his religious customs. 

He gained qualifications at school and then got a job.  His parents decided that he needed the stability of marriage, so, according to their custom, they arranged for Roop to meet a Sikh girl (who was related by marriage to the family).  She and

Roop decided they would like to marry – he was 19 years old.

They later had a family themselves.

MARRIAGE

Their Gurus (teachers) taught that family life is very important.  Many marriages are arranged – the parents introduce the boy to the girl but the marriage will not take place unless they both agree to it.  They are then betrothed (engaged).  Marriage is the joining of two families as well as a couple so both families should get on well.

The Sikh marriage ceremony is called the ANAND KARAJ – the ceremony of joy.  It can take place at the bride’s home or in a gurdwara (place of worship).  The marriage only takes place in the presence of their holy book (Guru Granth Sahib).

Members of the families meet and exchange gifts.  For the ceremony the bride will wear red, including a scarf of red and gold.  Red represents happiness.  At the gurdwara the groom sits facing the takht (throne where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed).

The bride is on his left.  They are told about the responsibilities of marriage.  The Guru Granth Sahib is opened and read – verses written by their 4^th Guru.  While these verses are being read the couple rise and each hold the end of the scarf, then walk slowly clockwise round the Guru Granth Sahib, with the groom leading the way. When they are back at the starting position they bow to the Guru Granth Sahib to show acceptance of the verse.  They do this for each of the 4 verses being read.

They are showered with flower petals to show the joy of the occasion.  The couple are welcomed by the parents with sweets and garlands of flowers.  Gifts of money are given to them to make sure they have a good financial start to their married life.

The couple are equal partners and it should be for life.  It is not just a social or civil contract.  Both have responsibilities towards each other.  It is a spiritual union – the love between husband and wife is compared with the love of the human soul for God.

AMRIT  CEREMONY

When Sikhs want to show a commitment to their religion, they will go through the AMRIT ceremony.

In 1699 their Guru (teacher) Govind Rai wanted them to be united and show strength, so he asked for people who were willing to die for their faith.  5 men volunteered.  They did not die, but had shown great faith in the Guru. They became known as the Panj Pyares – the “five beloved ones” who formed the Khalsa – a group of committed Sikhs.  They were given a special mixture of sugar and water, called amrit, to baptise them and ever since that day, Sikhs go through the Amrit ceremony to show their commitment to their faith.

They promise to wear the 5 K’s and have amrit sprinkled on them during the ceremony.  Each male member adopts the name Singh meaning lion – they should be strong and fearless like a lion.  Each female member adopts the name Kaur – they should behave and be treated like princesses.  High standards of behaviour are expected of Sikhs.

LEARNING TASKS

1.  Describe what people in the crowd were asked to do by their             

     Guru, Govind Rai.

2.  What did the 5 Panj Pyares show by accepting his challenge?

3.  What do Sikhs promise when they go through the Amrit

      ceremony?

4.  What do the names Singh and Kaur mean?

5 K’s

These are 5 special signs to show Sikhs who are committed to

 their religion.

KESH – Long hair. Uncut hair is a gift from God.  To cut it is to change God’s work.  They keep it clean and tidy – comb their hair daily with the KANGHA (comb) to show that their lives should be tidy and well ordered.  They will then tie their hair up and put on a turban to keep the hair in place.  The 10^th Guru wore a turban to show authority, so in wearing one, Sikhs are showing they want to be like their Guru (teacher).

KARA  - steel bangle – this is a circle, so it reminds Sikhs that God is one, without a beginning or end – he is eternal.  It also reminds them of the unity of the Khalsa.  Steel is a sign of strength, so they must be strong in defending their religion.

KACCHA – short trousers or underpants.  These allow Sikhs to move more quickly.  Sikhs were always ready to go into action to defend their faith and help others. 

KIRPAN – sword – this is a symbol of personal freedom.  It is not a weapon for attacking others.  It is to remind Sikhs of their duty to protect and defend their faith and the rights of others.

LEARNING TASK

Draw and label the 5 K’s, then describe the symbolism of each

of the 5 K’s.