kirpan
Noun: A kirpan is a small, curved ceremonial dagger or sword. It is one of the five articles of faith (known as the Five Ks) that baptized Sikhs are required to wear at all times as a symbol of their commitment to justice, protection of the weak, and defiance against tyranny.
The word kirpan is used specifically to refer to this religious article. It is typically worn under clothing, secured in a sheath called a gatra, and is not intended as a weapon for aggression but as a spiritual symbol.
- As part of their religious observance, Sikhs carry the kirpan.
- The kirpan is a sacred article of faith for the Sikh community.
- Security protocols at public venues often have specific accommodations for the wearing of a ceremonial kirpan.
- To wear/carry a kirpan: This is the standard phrasing to describe the religious practice.
- All Amritdhari Sikhs are required to wear a kirpan.
- Five Ks (Kakars): The collective term for the five mandatory physical symbols worn by initiated Sikhs, which include the Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan.
- Gatra: The strap or sheath used to hold the kirpan.
- Ceremonial dagger
- Religious sword (though "kirpan" is the precise, culturally specific term)
The kirpan embodies multiple principles: 1. A Symbol of Duty: It represents the Sikh's duty to defend the defenseless and uphold righteousness. 2. A Spiritual Metaphor: It can symbolize the cutting away of ego and inner vices. 3. An Article of Faith: Its constant presence is a reminder of the wearer's vows and identity.
Its size and design can vary, but it is always a bladed article. Legal definitions and permissible sizes for public wear differ by country and jurisdiction, often referring to it as a "ceremonial kirpan" to distinguish it from a weapon.
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a ceremonial four-inch curved dagger that Sikh men and women are obliged to wear at all times
