Monday 24 June 2013

A Purple Turban Is About Its Color

By Ines Brennan


In Sikhism, a turban is a token for their faith and dedication to the religion. How it is worn never really makes a Sikh woman or man less adherent to the standards of the faction. It is a significant part of any Sikh's life and therefore needs to be worn regardless of occasion and of style. A purple turban might not have a special implication but it is popularly worn by men and women due to how it ideally complements most outfits.

Any colors or designs are generally acceptable. What actually matters here is for a person to show how much committed he is to the religion through the turban that he wears. This is not just any headdress used in protecting the hair as well as scalp from filthy dust or something which makes an individual look pleasant. This customary Sikh women and men headwear has critical value to them considering how it symbolizes the several things.

Holiness and spirituality. In Sikhism, initiation ceremony is completed by the wearing of turbans. This process also known as the Amrit ceremony is one of the most crucial parts of a Sikh's life. It is baptism in the Catholic Church. Sikhs undergo the ceremony only when they are fully committed to their religion. This will be conducted in the presence of a guru.

Dedication to God. As stated in Exodus 29:6 this headdress was considered as an essential part of anointed men sent for missionary work. The anointment process is done through the pouring of oil over the head and fixing of the mark of devotion in one's headwear.

A social life. The turbans for Muslims are removed only in times of sadness. It is also a common practice in Punjab region to directly assume someone seen bareheaded to have a family member or a good friend who has just passed away.

Royalty and nobility. The Old Testament clearly evidences how a mere turban becomes a sign nobility in Isaiah 62:2-10. The headdress was used in place of a crown and throughout the Islamic world, this is still used by the monarchs as crown. Turbans in India are only reserved for the rich aristocrats and are not appropriate for the lower class.

Military life. It is a symbol of honor and self-respect. In World War I as well as II, Sikh soldiers refused to wear head gears or helmets that could protect them from the hands of their enemies. They, instead, used their turbans while fighting for they were convinced that wearing helmets signifies one's fear of death.

Missionary courage. Sikh history provides clear evidence on missionary martyrs that died protecting their religion. That even they were asked to remove their turbans, they died with their faith ablaze until the end for they strongly stand of their belief that their turbans are never just ornamental headdresses.

Justice and purity. As stated in the biblical metaphor of the life of Job, white or purple turban signifies righteousness and prosperity for all his good deeds. The Old Testament also narrates several verses for which this simple cloth becomes a great sign of pureness and chastity. These can be read on the Book of prophet Zachariah that recounts the story of the high priest, Joshua.




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