Question about Sikhs

themarcus

Sorry couldn't find any Sikhism or Indian board so figured since this is a fairly active religion-related board maybe someone here knows...

What exactly is the consequence if a Sikh removes his/her turban?
I think I roughly understand the significance of the turban, but I can't find info on what (if any) punishment there is for removing it.

Dave!

jeez, the A&A forum is becoming the 'After Hours' of the Religion & Spirituality category!

I'm afraid I can't help you though mate. Someone else probs will. I suspect that it's just another one of those traditions whereby there's no immediate "damnation" for not wearing it, but the Sikh would prefer to wear it. Like say Muslim women wearing the Hijab.

There are plenty of Sikhs who do not wear the turban and live perfectly holy and religious lives.

AFAIK the purpose of the turban is just to control their long hair, because Sikhs have funky long hair, a bit like Slash! (I do not think he's a Sikh though ¬_¬ )

Jumpy

DaveMcG wrote: »

AFAIK the purpose of the turban is just to control their long hair, because Sikhs have funky long hair, a bit like Slash! (I do not think he's a Sikh though ¬_¬ )

He does play a sihk guitar riff though.



*thump* ow... I HAD A COAT YOU KNOW

Sikhs don't cut their hair ever, so I would guess the turban is just practical

legspin

DaveMcG wrote: »

jeez, the A&A forum is becoming the 'After Hours' of the Religion & Spirituality category!

Hardly surprising. You won't get banned here for asking awkward questions.

Dades

...Moved from Atheism/Agnosticism to Humanities...

You should get an answer here, though given the absence of an actual Sikh forum on boards Google or Wiki are your friends. That's where most peoples' answers come from anyway.

legspin wrote:

Hardly surprising. You won't get banned here for asking awkward questions.

Depends how you ask them!

Orion

We had a Sikh colleague from London working with us for a few weeks. Never actually spoke to him about his religion but I did notice one thing. Mon-Thurs he wore his turban but on 'dress-down-Friday' he didn't. I got the impression that the turban is for formal wear not casual.

philologos

That's interesting. I have a Sikh friend in school, I discussed this with him, but never about the concequences. He always wears it with the uniform, and then wears it with a longer back covering most of his neck in casuals. I might ask a bit more on Monday.

Orion

I could be wrong - but I think there's different 'flavours' of Sikhism. Could be different rules applying.

Moriarty

From what I've gathered talking to a Sikh mate of mine about it, the turban is used for two general reasons. One, it protects the hair. Two, it's a symbol of authority in the sikh manner of attempting to live their lives half saint, half warrior.