Sikh Milestones: Birth, Amritsanshkar, Marriage, Funerals

Milestone	Short Description
Birth	A few wks after child is born, parents present the child to the sacred text Guru Granth Sahib *They bring ROMALA (a pc of embroidered material to the Sahib), and money* *The Granthi, offers Ardas, prayers and blessings* *NAMING CEREMONY (Nam Karam), the Sahib* is opened at random, hymn to where the page opens is read, the first word of hymn becomes the 1^st initial of the child’s name Sometimes Amrit, honey and water mix has a Kirpan dipped in it and then placed on the tongue of the child, a reminder to all that this child will be raised in the faith Anand Sahib, a closing prayer of thanksgiving**
Amritsanshkar	One of the most imp ceremony; is like a baptism – a time a person makes a public commitment to the faith and become a member of Khalsa It is like the Panj Pyare: 5 sikhs recite the duties and vows, the young person kneels in an archer position signifying his/her willingness to defend the faith Amrit is poured into eyes and hair; and the rules of Khalsa are explained Once complete food is given to celebrate
Marriage	Marriages are often arranged because marriage is seen as a sacred institution Once partners have been picked, the bride’s father with relatives goes to meet the groom’s parents, gifts are exchange. This publicly shows the alliance of the 2 families and ensures promises are kept *Anand Karaj* – ceremony of bliss; Sahib text is witness to the marriage *Can take place at the bride’s home or the Gurdwara – the groom faces the Takht, and wears a special scarf; the bride sits on his left side* They stand together and are told about how sacred marriage is and are given blessings The father of the bride puts garlands of flowers around the couple and places the groom’s scarf on the bride’s hand **The Lavan, marriage hymn is recited**
Funerals	Death is not believed to be the end in Sikhism; they believe in reincarnation – the movement of the soul into another body *The dying person is told to repeat Waheguru, Waheguru* (wonderful Lord) in order to console the dying soul Death is seen as another form of sleep When the person dies their body is cremated immediately; mourning period lasts for up to ten days There are no monuments or stones put on the person’s grave because Skihs do not believe earth to be the final place of rest**