Ceremonies

Abstract

Originally, Christianity and Sikhism had only one ceremony, that of initiation. It remains undisputably the most important as far as Sikhs are concerned. However, as the two religions became distanced from their parent traditions the need to develop their own ceremonies became increasingly important. Probably this was more true of Sikhism than of Christianity. The Panth could easily be perceived as one of many Hindu guru-cults; in fact this is how some observers still regard it today. Thus, even though acceptance of the teachings of the Gurus and faith in the lordship of Jesus, with all that that implied, were the only essentials of being a Sikh or a Christian, sooner or later the movements acquired their distinctive rites and ceremonies. Had this not happened Sikhs would never have broken away from Hindu influence because the Panth remained rooted in India. It would probably been reabsorbed into the parent tradition. Hinduism with its belief that the passage through life from conception to death is surrounded by many threats places great emphasis upon the proper performance of ceremonies to ensure safety. Sikhs reject these as superstitions, but some of them still take place in some families in the twentieth century and the Gurus must have been aware of a need to wean their followers from them by providing alternative ceremonies, not simply by condemning existing practices.