By : Pascal Denis, Hesselboms Universum, Stockholm, 1999
The dagger, known as a kirpan and symbolizing dignity, self-respect and independence, is one of five items that an initiated Sikh carries on his person.
Photograph : Karl-Olov Bergström, Riksutställningar, January 2000
Sikh clock with the Kandar symbol at the centre. The symbol represents the infinity of God and the Sikhs' right to defend their religion. The writing above the symbol means "God's name is truth." The symbol at the top means "God is one."
Photographer: Karl-Olov Bergström
A chauri is a sort of yak-hair duster found in Sikh temples or Gurudwara meaning "Door to God". It is traditional to use a chauri for removing dust and dirt from Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture. In this way one shows respect for the scripture even when not reading it.
Photographer: Karl-Olov Bergström, 2000
Garlands, borrowed from Hindu tradition, are used to decorate the holy texts and in religious services, especially at festivals and on the various gurus' birthdays.
Photograph : Karl-Olov Bergström, Riksutställningar, January 2000
Photographer: Magnus Bergström, 1999
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These are the thumbnails and texts for this alcove. They can be printed.
Sikhism
Khandar, the circle with the dagger and the two swords, is the Sikh symbol: the circle because God is infinite, and the sword as a reminder of the Sikhs' defense of their faith and of the right to defend religious freedom.
Most Sikhs use the Western Christian calendar, though some count the years according to Hindu tradition while others reckon from Guru Nanak's birth in 1469. According to them, this year is 531 until November 11, 2000.
Guru Nanak's birthday is celebrated by Sikhs the world over with readings, singing, prayer and festive meals. Guru Nanak is the most important of the Sikhs' ten gurus and the founder of Sikhism.
Option 2
Janssons frestelse is a very Swedish dish usually made of potatoes, onions and anchovies; here it is made without anchovies and is, therefore, an entirely vegetarian dish which Sikhs and many others may eat. However, some Hindus and Buddhists do not eat any onions - yellow or red, raw or cooked.
Most Sikhs do not eat beef since for them cows are sacred as they are for Hindus. Nor do they eat meat from animals slaughtered in the Muslim way, halal. And like Muslims and Jews, they refuse to eat pork. They do not use any kind of drugs, not even tobacco or snuff. |
