The Five Ks
Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten gurus, told all members of the Sikh brotherhood
to wear the five Ks as a symbol to all of their faith.
The Kesh
Kesh is hair. Sikhs promise not to cut their hair but let it grow as a symbol of their faith. Because during their lifetimes it will get very long they wear turbans to keep it tidy. They believe that this demonstrates their obedience to God.
The Kanga
The kanga is a small comb used to keep their long hair tidy, but it is more than that, it is a symbol to remind them to keep their lives in order and "comb" away impure thoughts.
The Kara
The kara is a steel bangle worn on the right arm. It is a closed circle with no beginning and no end...as with God there is no beginning and no end. It is a reminder to behave well, keep faith and restrain from wrong doing. Wearing it will remind a sikh of his duties.
The Last two are a reminder that Sikhs are warriors and always fight for righteousness.
The Kaccha
The kaccha is similar to a soldier's undershorts, a loose, white, cotton undergarment symbolising a high moral character and spiritual freedom. Obviously as any family would be sensitive the Sikh family do not really like their undergarments on display to the world. This garment is made in the style of, but not a genuine article. When it was introduced by the Guru is was a knee length garment but recently it is shorter more like western boxer shorts. All baptised Sikhs wear a similar item, they are loose fitting and so cool in a hot climate, and remind Sikhs of their lifelong battle to do right.
The Kirpan
The warriors sword. These days a very tiny one is worn as a symbol of dignity and self respect. It demonstrates power and reminds sikhs that they must fight a spiritual battle, defend the weak and oppressed, and uphold the truth.
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