Symbols 1
1. The central religious symbols.
2. The religious meaning of these symbols.
3. The way symbolism provides distinctiveness to a religion.
4. The contribution of symbolism to religious art, music and written expression.
(see also ‘Symbols 2')
A most important symbol for Sikhs is the Nishan SahibThe Sikh flag flown at the Gurdwara. This is made up of a blue or black Khanda Referring to the Sikh double edged sword on a yellow or orange background. The Khanda is made up of three weapons - a chakra (quoit used by Xena, warrior princess), a Khanda (double-edged sword) and two kirpans (swords of mercy). The Panj Kakke is the 5KsThe panj kakke or five symbols worn by Sikhs. Panj means 'five' and kakke means words starting with the Punjabi An area of North West India from where Sikhism originated letter for 'k' - hence, they are called the 5ks. All members of the KhalsaLiterally the pure ones, referring to the family or brotherhood of initiated Sikhs - female as well as male - must wear them.
Nishan Sahib: The Chakra (quoit) stands for GodWord used to describe a personal transcendent Being's Infinity, without beginning and without end. The Khanda (double-edged sword) stands for God's power of justice and mercy, or creation and destruction, the double edge of God's Names. The two kirpans (swords of mercy) stand for meeri-peeri (worldly and spiritualA word with many religious connotations, often used to describe a multiplicity of phenomena that would include inner, reflective or emotional experiences, and those aspects of life that give it meaning and depth or which are profoundly moving or aesthetic. power).
Panj kakke:
KeshReferring to the uncut hair of male Sikhs means 'uncut hair' and reflects detachment or freedom from worldly fashions. Uncut hair is common to many different spiritual traditions - Native Americans, Rastafarians, Nazarenes, Taoists, Hindu rishis. Kangha means 'comb' and reflects the idea that detachment should be balanced with social responsibilities such as cleanliness. Life should be physically, mentally and spiritually pure. Some of those with uncut hair did not clean it since they had left society to focus on God. KaraReferring to the steel bracelet worn by male Sikhs on their wrist means 'bracelet' and reflects the infinity of God - without beginning or end - that works through human beings, on their right wrist. Kachera are 'breeches' or long shorts. They cover the private parts, therefore, showing the importance of social order. They also allow people to be active unlike many of the previous types of clothing. Kirpan means 'sword of mercy'. It is a weapon showing that the Khalsa is a soldier as well as a saint. It is a weapon worn by a knight - hence the surnames SinghThe name given to all male Sikhs, literally meaning 'lion' for men meaning 'Lion' and KaurLiterally princess, and the name given to all female members of the Sikh Khalsa for women meaning 'princess' - who must use it 'with mercy' to ensure freedom and justice.
Nishan Sahib: the flag identifies every gurdwaraThe Sikh place of worship literally meaning the Guru's door.
Panj kakke: The five Ks have both spiritual meanings and form a uniform for the Khalsa. It is intended to create a saint as well as a soldier, a sant-sipahi (saint-soldier). This reflects the Sikh belief in meeri-peeri (worldly as well as spiritual power). The transformation of the five ks is both individual (for the person who has joined the Khalsa) and collective (as it forms a uniform).
The contribution of symbolism to religious art, music and written expression Sikh aesthetics have focused on music where the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib JiThe most widely used name for Sikh scriptures, literally 'Teacher Book, Sir' are played and sung.
Websites
http://www.singhsabhacanada.com
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