Why Do Sikh Men Wear Turbans?

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The Explainer 5 things to know about Sikhism

Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. Here are five things to know about the faith.

3. Why do Sikh men wear turbans?

Updated Jan. 15, 2014, 1:04 p.m. ET

• By Staff

Their Sikh faith forbids them from cutting their hair, as their hair is considered sacred. Sikh men wear turbans to protect their hair; the turbans also carry a symbolic value of their own. Men also grow beards. According to Sikh custom, hair is part of God’s creation, something that should not be altered, and many Sikhs believe that keeping their hair long allows them to take their minds off of their appearance and be more focused on God.

In addition to long hair (kesh), Sikhs also wear metal bracelets, wooden combs for their hair, special cotton underwear, and a ceremonial dagger or sword (kirpan). The kirpan represents the fight against injustice, according to the Sikh Coalition.

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