Sikh
Weddings
- a student voice contribution by J. Rippon
Sikhism is one of the youngest world religions as it was founded by a man named Guru Nanak, who lived from 1469-1539. But Nanak over the years was succeeded by nine gurus; a common name in Indian spiritual guidance or teacher. The religion is about make equality between poor and rich, making a better environment between Sikhs.
- Persons not professing the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony.
- Child marriage is forbidden.
- All Hindu superstitions about good or bad days and rituals before, during and after marriage are strictly forbidden.
- Sikhs practise monogamy.
- Widows or widowers may remarry.
- While husband and wife roles are regarded as complementary (and despite erosion of certain Sikh values due to the proximity and influence of Hindu majority in India), men and women's equality is enshrined in the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib.
- a student voice contribution by J. Rippon
Sikhism is one of the youngest world religions as it was founded by a man named Guru Nanak, who lived from 1469-1539. But Nanak over the years was succeeded by nine gurus; a common name in Indian spiritual guidance or teacher. The religion is about make equality between poor and rich, making a better environment between Sikhs.
Sikh Traditions: Weddings
Sikhs have a certain name for their weddings. It is
called the ‘Anand Karaj’. This style of wedding was
introduced when the original gurus lived. It is now
recognised after it was discovered to the British
when they had period of ruling, 1909.
Sikh girls and boys have to be a certain age to go through this wedding as child marriage is against the Sikh faith. The couple are allowed to wed only when it is decided they are responsible enough to take on their everyday responsibilities. The marriages may be arranged by parents but mostly arranged by the couple. Boys and Girls meet and get married in a short period of time. There must be a lot of thought and preparation to go along with this particular style of marriage. Both bride and groom must agree, as forcing into marriage is against the faith.
Engagement ceremonies can be done but honestly needed. The marriage can be decided on any days, superstition isn’t really part of this religion. Hindu style weddings are strictly forbidden.
Most Sikh marriages take place in the morning, where both sides of the couple’s families meet, and then sing religious hymns that are from the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib; this meeting is called a ‘Milni’.
The marriage ceremony takes place at a gathering in the holy presence of Guru Granth Sahib. Shabads (Sikh hymns) are sung and the boy and the girl sit side by side facing Guru Granth Sahib. The girl sits on the left side of the boy. The couple and their parents (or guardians) stand up and an Ardaas seeking the Blessing of Waheguru (Giver of Knowledge) for the commencement of the Anand marriage is offered.
The main ceremony is very simple. The end of the sash, which the bridegroom wears over his shoulder, is placed (by the bride's father, guardian or any other responsible person) in the hands of the bride. The officiating person reads the four stanzas from Guru Granth Sahib.
After the reading of the first stanza, the couple rises and to the accompaniment of music, while the same hymn is sung by the religious singers, walk slowly round Guru Granth Sahib, the bridegroom leading the bride.
Sikh girls and boys have to be a certain age to go through this wedding as child marriage is against the Sikh faith. The couple are allowed to wed only when it is decided they are responsible enough to take on their everyday responsibilities. The marriages may be arranged by parents but mostly arranged by the couple. Boys and Girls meet and get married in a short period of time. There must be a lot of thought and preparation to go along with this particular style of marriage. Both bride and groom must agree, as forcing into marriage is against the faith.
Engagement ceremonies can be done but honestly needed. The marriage can be decided on any days, superstition isn’t really part of this religion. Hindu style weddings are strictly forbidden.
Most Sikh marriages take place in the morning, where both sides of the couple’s families meet, and then sing religious hymns that are from the scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib; this meeting is called a ‘Milni’.
The marriage ceremony takes place at a gathering in the holy presence of Guru Granth Sahib. Shabads (Sikh hymns) are sung and the boy and the girl sit side by side facing Guru Granth Sahib. The girl sits on the left side of the boy. The couple and their parents (or guardians) stand up and an Ardaas seeking the Blessing of Waheguru (Giver of Knowledge) for the commencement of the Anand marriage is offered.
The main ceremony is very simple. The end of the sash, which the bridegroom wears over his shoulder, is placed (by the bride's father, guardian or any other responsible person) in the hands of the bride. The officiating person reads the four stanzas from Guru Granth Sahib.
After the reading of the first stanza, the couple rises and to the accompaniment of music, while the same hymn is sung by the religious singers, walk slowly round Guru Granth Sahib, the bridegroom leading the bride.
Rules of an Anand Karaj Marriage:
- Persons not professing the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony.
- Child marriage is forbidden.
- All Hindu superstitions about good or bad days and rituals before, during and after marriage are strictly forbidden.
- Sikhs practise monogamy.
- Widows or widowers may remarry.
- While husband and wife roles are regarded as complementary (and despite erosion of certain Sikh values due to the proximity and influence of Hindu majority in India), men and women's equality is enshrined in the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib.