The 5 K's
The 5 K’s are:
· Kesh (uncut hair)
· Kara (steel bracelet)
· Kanga (a wooden comb)
· Kirpan (steel sword)
· Kaccha – also spelt Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)
. Kesh (uncut hair):
There are various reasons and symbolises have been put forward for the Sikh practice of keeping hair uncut.
· It is a visible symbol of membership to Sikhism
Kara (steel bracelet);
The steel bracelet is referred to as the ‘handcuff’ to God and symbolises God having no begging or end. It symbolises many things such as a Sikh is linked to the Guru, a symbol of restraint and gentility. The kara acts as a reminder that a Sikh shouldn't do anything the Guru wouldn't approve of.
Kanga (a wooden comb):
It symbolises the importance of looking after the body which God has created. This does not conflict with the Sikh's aim to move beyond bodily concerns; since the body is one's vehicle for enlightenment one should care for it appropriately.
This symbolises a clean mind and body; since it keeps the uncut hair neat and tidy.
Kirpan (steel sword):
There is no fixed style of Kirpan and it can be anything from a few inches to three feet long. It is kept in a sheath and can be worn over or under clothing.
It symbolises:
British law rules that in the UK you cannot carry a kirpan. You are allowed to carry a symbol of a kirpan though.
Kaccha (cotton underwear):
It's a symbol of chastity.
This is a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee. It was a particularly useful garment for Sikh warriors of the 18th and 19th centuries, being very suitable for warfare when riding a horse.
· Kesh (uncut hair)
· Kara (steel bracelet)
· Kanga (a wooden comb)
· Kirpan (steel sword)
· Kaccha – also spelt Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)
. Kesh (uncut hair):
There are various reasons and symbolises have been put forward for the Sikh practice of keeping hair uncut.
· It is a visible symbol of membership to Sikhism
- It follows the appearance of Guru Gobind Singh, founder of the Khalsa.
- It follows the appearance of Guru Gobind Singh, founder of the Khalsa.
- Throughout history hair (kesh) has been regarded as a symbol both of holiness and strength.
- One's hair is part of God's creation. Keeping hair uncut indicates that one is willing to accept God's gift as God intended it.
- Uncut hair symbolizes adoption of a simple life, and denial of pride in one's appearance.
- Not cutting one's hair is a symbol of one's wish to move beyond concerns of the body and attain spiritual maturity.
Kara (steel bracelet);
The steel bracelet is referred to as the ‘handcuff’ to God and symbolises God having no begging or end. It symbolises many things such as a Sikh is linked to the Guru, a symbol of restraint and gentility. The kara acts as a reminder that a Sikh shouldn't do anything the Guru wouldn't approve of.
Kanga (a wooden comb):
It symbolises the importance of looking after the body which God has created. This does not conflict with the Sikh's aim to move beyond bodily concerns; since the body is one's vehicle for enlightenment one should care for it appropriately.
This symbolises a clean mind and body; since it keeps the uncut hair neat and tidy.
Kirpan (steel sword):
There is no fixed style of Kirpan and it can be anything from a few inches to three feet long. It is kept in a sheath and can be worn over or under clothing.
It symbolises:
- The struggle against injustice
- A metaphor for God
- Defence of the good
- Defence of the week
- Spirituality
- The soldier part of the Soldier-Saint
British law rules that in the UK you cannot carry a kirpan. You are allowed to carry a symbol of a kirpan though.
Kaccha (cotton underwear):
It's a symbol of chastity.
This is a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee. It was a particularly useful garment for Sikh warriors of the 18th and 19th centuries, being very suitable for warfare when riding a horse.