The 5 K’s Most Sikh people have 5 important items such as kesh(hair), kara(metal wrist band), kachera(white shorts), kangah(hair comb) and kirpan(sword). These items are called the 5 K’s or the 5 articles of faith for Sikhs. The 5 K’s are important for Sikhs because they symbolize many things. Sikhs who have taken amrit or a pledge have to keep these items with them. The 5 K’s are like a uniform and discipline you stay under if you have taken amrit or pledge. Kesh(Hair): uncut hair which signifies that a Sikh should live in the will of the 10 gurus(gods) Kanga(Hair comb): wooden comb; The 10th god Guru Gobind Singh Ji had once stated that your hair should be neat and tidy so you should keep a comb with you Kara (Metal Wrist Band): it is a ring of iron worn around wrist; Guru Gobind Singh Ji said that we should be reminded of our vows in case we do something wrong Kachera(White Shorts): special white shorts that symbolize modesty Kirpan(sword): sword; symbolize that Sikhs should stand for the defense of poor and needy no matter who they are Last Names: Have you ever wondered why most Sikhs have a last name of Singh and Kaur? Singh is a last name for males and Kaur is a last name for females. Most males have Singh as last names because Singh means lions which indicate that they are strong warriors. Kaur means princess which means equality and peace for all. The 10th guru Guru Gobind Singh Ji stated that it is mandatory for male and females to have Singh and Kaur as a last name. Also the last names of Singh and Kaur represent that they are Sikh and proud to show about their religion. History Sikhism originated in India in 1469 with the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji the first of 10