5 Things You Didn’t Know About Sikhs
By the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, a Faith Counts partner
Have you ever wondered about some lesser-known aspects of Sikhi? Here are 5 intriguing facts about Sikhi that might surprise you. From the significance of the Five Ks to the concept of Langar, there’s so much to explore about this vibrant and inclusive faith. Dive into the world of Sikhs with us and expand your understanding of the fifth-largest religion in the world.
1) Equality. Sikhism was a catalyst for gender inclusivity in a society that at the time, was dominated by an archaic patriarchal system. The Sikh Gurus emphasized the equality between men and women in the eyes of God. This increased women’s participation in religious, political, and social aspects of society. Many Sikh women were warriors and active participants in civic society.
2) Scripture. The central holy scripture for Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, contains sacred hymns and verses called Gurbani. The recitation of Gurbani is a way in which Sikhs connect with God. Some Sikhs read the entire Guru Granth Sahib uninterrupted for several days in a powerful spiritual practice called Sehaj Path.
3) Symbol. The beacon symbol of the Sikh faith is called the Khanda. Khanda means “double-edged sword” and there is one in the center of the symbol. Surrounding the Khanda is a Chakkar, a round throwing blade, with two Kirpans, single-edged swords, and one of the five articles of faith, crossed at the bottom.
4) Initiation. The amrit ceremony is how Sikhs join the Khalsa (community). It was established by Guru Gobind Singh due to the persecution faced by Sikhs in that tumultuous period. During the amrit ceremony today, Sikhs who join the Khalsa must pledge to uphold all the tenets of the Sikh faith and “take amrit” by drinking water sweetened with crystalized sugar and stirred with a Khanda.
5) U.S. History. Sikhs have a deep-rooted history in the United States. The first Sikh Americans landed on the West Coast of the United States during the 1890s. In 1957, Dalip Singh Saund became the first Asian American and Sikh American elected into the United States House of Representatives where he served three terms representing California’s 29th congressional district under the Democratic Party.
To learn more about Sikh Americans and the Sikh faith, please visit www.saldef.org/about-sikh-americans/
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