Christianity 1. Christianity – founded around 2000 years ago by followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians live according to the loving nature of God revealed by the life and death of Jesus. There are many forms of Christianity, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches. The latter has many denominations such as Anglican, Church of Scotland, Baptist, Methodist, Quaker, Pentecostal and the United Reformed churches. Most Christians believe in the holy trinity, the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit – all have equal and divine status. Jesus is believed to be the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, who is particularly important to Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox churches. The Christian holy book is the Bible. Consisting of the Old and New Testaments which describes the creation of the universe, the origins of Christianity, the life of Jesus and his teachings and the end of time. There are few dietary or dress restrictions for Christians, although some associate Friday with eating fish and some impose restrictions on certain foods during Lent. 2. There are also many black Christian churches that were formed in areas of the USA, and latterly in the UK, which reflect the traditions and customs of the church in Africa and the Caribbean. 3. Significant holy days are: a. Sunday is the traditional day of worship and rest. b. Palm Sunday – the Sunday before Easter celebrating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem where he was greeted by crowds waving Palm leaves. c. Maundy Thursday – commemorates the last supper before Jesus was crucified. d. Good Friday – the crucifixion; it is said to be “good” because Jesus showed love and forgiveness and obeyed God’s will in offering himself as a sacrifice. e. Easter – celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Easter eggs are given symbolising new life. f. Whitsun/Pentecost – celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the birth of the Church – 50 days from Easter. g. Ascension Day – is celebrated 40 days after Easter and marks Jesus’ return to God. h. Christmas Day – celebrating the birth of Jesus. Gifts are exchanged between families and friends.
Sikhism 1. Sikhism is about 500 years old. It was founded By Guru Nanak Deviji in the Punjab (now part of Pakistan). The first guru was followed by 9 successors. Sikhs believe in one god, the teachings of the 10 gurus and the Gura Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. 2. Sikhs must wear the Panj Kakke or 5 Ks. The 5Ks are: Kesh – uncut hair covered by a scarf or Turban; Kangha – a comb to keep the hair tidy; Kara – a steel bracelet; Kirpan – a small sword for self protection or to protect others who cannot protect themselves and Kachera – undergarments similar to shorts. Some Sikhs dress according to these 5 Ks and women often wear a sari or shalwar, kameez and chadar (a long wide scarf) although they do not have to wear a veil. However, some Sikhs have adopted western dress code. 3. Many Sikhs are vegetarians; those who are not are prohibited from eating halal meat. For orthodox Sikhs, intoxicants are strictly forbidden. Traditional arranged marriages are in decline although it remains commonplace for potential partners to be introduced by family members. 4. The Sikh place of worship is known as a Gurdwara; shoes must be removed and heads covered. 5. Significant holy days are: a. Vaisakhi (13 April) – New Year’s day in the Punjab (a fixed date based in the lunar calendar). b. Diwali – festival of lights held at the start of winter commemorating the self sacrifice of Haur Govind against Moghul rule. c. Guru Nanak’s birthday – the birthday of the first guru held in November. d. Hola Mohala – a 3-day festival held in spring with displays of physical strength and Martial Arts activities.