I Am Pagan – The number of Pagans in the UK has doubled in recent years, and you probably follow some Pagan traditions yourself without even realising it. Nick Taylor – a practising pagan himself – talks us through the eight Pagan festivals, their links to the natural year, and the influence they’ve had on many British traditions.
Topic: Festivals
Mary’s Lullaby – If you’re the sentimental type, grab a hanky right now. Here’s a dramatic reconstruction of the Nativity to the accompaniment of a specially composed song. Happy Christmas!
Video footage courtesy of BigBook Media.
The song was written by Jessica Toogood and you can read the lyrics here.
Life is a Journey
How many new beginnings have you been through? Here is an animated introduction to ‘Rites of Passage’, thinking about life as a journey and the things that happen along the way.
Curriculum Mapping
TrueTube films are designed for use in a number of ways. Some ideas of where this film could link to your curriculum are below:
AQA
No link to GCSE spec
Edexcel
No link to GCSE spec
OCR
No link to GCSE spec
WJEC
No link to GCSE spec
Eduqas
No link to GCSE spec
Transcript
Life is a Journey
So they say, life is a journey. You were born, you were blessed with a name, you cry, you crawl, you walk, you talk, you grow. You learn, you question what you learn. You study, you achieve. You work and you get paid. You will meet many. You may love, you may lose love and then may love again. You may marry. You may have children. You may get lost along the way. You might retrace your steps. Change course. Start again. You may win. You may lose. You visit new places and find somewhere to settle. You will celebrate and you will mourn. You will grow old and you will grow wise. You will slow down. Eventually, someday, your journey will come to an end, or maybe a new journey is just beginning.
The Formation of the Khalsa
What would you die for? A report from the Punjab in India where the Sikh leader, Guru Gobind Singh, is asking people to stand up for their faith with an unusual question: “Who will give their head to my sword?” Animation by Ceiren Bell
Curriculum Mapping
TrueTube films are designed for use in a number of ways. Some ideas of where this film could link to your curriculum are below:
AQA
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teaching and practices - Sikhism - The Festival of Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) - This covers the what, how, why, who, when of the festival.
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teaching and practices - Sikhism - The Sikh initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanskar) - This includes the meaning and importance of the Khalsa and the five Ks, and the different perspectives of sahajdhari and amritdhari Sikhs.The use and significance of Singh and Kaur can be covered too.
Edexcel
Area of Study 1 - Sikhism - Section 3: Living the Sikh Life - Birth and naming rituals and ceremonies: the celebration and significance of Naam Karan and Hukamnama; the significance of Amrit sanskar (the initiation ceremony) for Sikh families, including reference to the Rahit Maryada Chapters 11 and 13; divergent understandings of these ceremonies between khalsa and non-khalsa Sikhs; the significance of the names Singh and Kaur in the naming and Amrit ceremonies, and for Sikh identity today.
WJEC
2.1 Unit 1 PART A - Part A Sikhism- Core beliefs, teachings and practices –Practices -Ceremonies Naming a Sikh child – meaning and significance The significance and use of the names Singh and Kaur Sikh initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanskar) – importance and significance in a Sikh’s life and consideration given to the perspective of non-khalsa Sikhs Meaning of the main features of the initiation ceremony Wearing of the 5k’s and their symbolism and significance – kesh, kangha, kirpan, kara, kacch.
Eduqas
Option 5: Sikhism: Beliefs and teachings: The sangat:Basis for acts of sewa (selfless service), nihangs, khalsa. Practices: Ceremonies:The meaning and significance of birth and naming ceremonies ➢ The significance of Amrit Sanskar: (the initiation ceremony): Bhai Gurdas Var 3.11. The significance and use of the names Singh and Kaur ➢ The different views of khalsa and non-khalsa (sahaj-dhari) Sikhs towards Khalsa and the Five K's. Component 1 (Route A) Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World :Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights: Prejudice and discrimination: Sikh beliefs, teachings and attitudes towards racial prejudice and discrimination, including Guru Gobind Singh's formation of the Khalsa
Transcript
The Formation of the Khalsa
Anandpur in the Punjab and the scene today of extraordinary events. Sikhs have come here from far and wide to celebrate the harvest festival of Besakih. There has been particular interest this year as Guru Gobind Rai, the Sikh leader, asked people to make a special effort to come.
All very intriguing. In front of the castle, a tent had been put up on a specially built stage, and tens of thousands of Sikhs gathered in expectations of the Guru's arrival, no doubt hoping that he would have some words of inspiration for them, in these troubled times when so many have faced persecution for their faith. Then the crowd was on its feet, cheering and waving as the guru walked out and took centre stage. He made an impressive sight, waving a sword above his head that flashed in the sunlight. He waited for the crowds to fall silent and then said: Who among you is willing to die for God and for their guru? Who will give their head to my sword? Certainly an unusual way to start a speech, and there was some confusion in the crowd.
But then a man got to his feet and made his way to the stage. This was Dharam, a young man from a well to do family. The guru welcomed him like a brother and took him into the tent. People were muttering to each other, wondering what was going on. Then the guru emerged alone from the tent and waved the bloodied blade above his head. Shock ran through the crowd like a wave. Had the guru beheaded Dharam? But the guru was speaking again. Who else is willing to give their life for God and for me? This time everyone remained absolutely still, frightened even to move. But finally another man stood up and walked calmly to the front, a farmer called Dharam Das. Again, the volunteer was welcomed by the guru and led inside the tent. I, like everyone else in the crowd, held my breath.
This time we distinctly heard the swish of a sword and a sickening thud. The guru came out and brandished his sword for all to see and fresh blood splattered over the crowd. A woman near to me screamed and panic began to spread. But above the noise I heard Guru Gobind Rai's words. My sword is still hungry. Who else is willing to give their head to serve me? Unbelievably, three more men pushed their way to the front. The tailor called Mokham Chand, a barber called Sahib Chand, and a humble water carrier called Himmat Rai. Some of the crowd were crying, some were angry. Some even tried to stop the men from reaching the stage. But one at a time the guru took them into the tent, and each time he came out alone, his sword sticky with congealing blood. The guru appealed for calm and threw back the flaps of the tent.
We stood spellbound as all five men, alive and well, walked out onto the stage. They were wearing saffron robes like the guru and smiling. Then the crowd was cheering and clapping, and the men stepped forward to acknowledge the applause. Five men from very different backgrounds standing shoulder to shoulder with the guru. Five men who were willing to stand up for what they believed, and the guru announced they would be known as the Panj Pyara, the Beloved Five, the first members of the Khalsa. The Pure Ones, a group of Sikhs who are truly committed to the guru. They will be given new names. Singh, that means lion, for men and Kore, meaning princess, for women. So goodbye Guru Gobind Rai, from today we'll be calling you Guru Gobind Singh. The people surged forward, all wanting to join the Khalsa.
I suspect there are some in the Emperor's court who will not be pleased. This is Abu Turani reporting for the Emperor Aurangzeb. Anandpur.
Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr is the Muslim festival following Ramadan. In this film, Danya discusses with her family and friends, how they celebrate and what it means to them.
Curriculum Mapping
TrueTube films are designed for use in a number of ways. Some ideas of where this film could link to your curriculum are below:
AQA
Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices- Islam - Practices, Duties and Festivals. Festivals and commemorations and their importance for Muslims in Great Britain today, including the origins and meanings of Id-ul-Adha, Id-ul-Fitr, Ashura.
Zakah: the role and significance of giving alms including origins, how and why it is given, benefits of receipt, Khums in Shi’a Islam.
Sawm: the role and significance of fasting during the month of Ramadan including origins, duties, benefits of fasting, the exceptions and their reasons, and the Night of Power, Qur’an 96:1-5.
Edexcel
Area of Study 1 -Section 3 - Living the Muslim Life - Islam - The nature, origins, activities, meaning and significance of the celebration/ commemoration of Id-ul-Adha, with reference to Surah 37: 77–111, and Id-ul-Fitr in Sunni Islam, with reference to their place within Shi’a Islam; and Id-ul-Ghadeer, with reference to Hadith and the interpretation of Surah 5: 3, and Ashura in Shi’a Islam, with reference to their place within Sunni Islam.
Section 3: Living the Muslim Life -Islam - Sawm as one of the Five Pillars: the nature, role, significance and purpose of fasting during Ramadan, including Surah 2: 183–185; those who are excused from fasting and why; the significance of the Night of Power: the nature, history and purpose of the Night of Power; why Laylat al-Qadr is important for Muslims today."
OCR
Component Group 1–Practices - Islam - Public acts of worship - Salah as direct communication with Allah. The importance of practices - Islam as a way of life, lived in total submission to Allah • The importance of the Five Pillars of Islam to Sunni Muslims • The meaning of the Five Pillars: •• Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith •• Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day •• Zakat/Zakah: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy •• Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan •• Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca • The analogy of the house and pillars Festivals/special days • The origin and meaning of: •• Eid-ul-Adha: the festival of sacrifice at the end of Hajj. Origins in Ibrahim ’s sacrifice of an animal instead of his son, Isma’il •• Eid-ul-Fitr: celebrated at the end of Ramadan. A public holiday in Muslim countries where gifts and cards are exchanged, and new clothes are brought for children.
WJEC
2.1 Unit 1 PART A - Part A Islam - Core beliefs, teachings and practices - Practices - The Five Pillars of Sunni Islam -Prayer/ Salat Adhan call to prayer, praying at mosque and Friday Jummah prayer (Qur'an 15:9899, 29:45) Praying at home, private prayer (Du'ah) The preparations and intention for prayer: wudu and niyyah The significance and symbolism of the different prayer positions that make a rakat (sequence of prayer) Obligatory Acts Shahadah: the Muslim profession of faith in Allah and the prophet Muhammad; occasions when the Shahadah is recited, e.g. aqiqah ceremony, conversion to Islam Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit others, what zakat tax may be used for, and additional charity (saddaqah) Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan. How and why Muslims fast during Ramadan and rules about halal and haram diet (Qur'an 2:183).
Eduqas
Component 3 (Route A): Study of a World Faith: Option 3: Islam: Practices: The Five Pillars of Sunni Islam: practices in Britain and elsewhere: Sawm: How Sunni Muslims fast during Ramadan: Qur'an 2:184. Issues relating to Muslims fasting in Britain. Festivals and commemorations: practices in Britain and elsewhere:Id-ul-Fitr: The festival of fast-breaking following Ramadan. How Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Fitr in Britain and worldwide
Transcript
Eid Ul-Fitr
Hello. Hello!
Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Come and meet the family?
Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
When a new crescent moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan.
This day, which is called Eid al-Fitr. Basically, it's celebrating the end of the previous month, which was Ramadan. And that is the month where Muslims, um, fast every day for about 12 hours.
Fasting is when Muslims don't eat or drink during daylight hours, but people get together to break their fast at sunset.
Even though the month obviously is such a so beautiful because you're closer to God, you have a stronger faith. And people just, you know, pray and read Qur'an. So now they're celebrating the end of that month.
Hello, my name is Danielle. I'm 24 years of age. We're on our way to the mosque because today is Eid, yay!
We usually wake up in the morning. We go to the Eid prayer. When you're going to the mosque, we invite people in the car and then we go together. When we're going, we say, (speaks in Urdu) There's no God except Allah. And prophet Muhammad is his messenger. And then God is greatest. God is greatest.
When you get to the mosque, how do you feel?
I feel so happy actually, because I'm praying to God. And then you pray with a group of people, which is so much better and it's fun.
Hello. We just prayed the Eid prayers, and, um some people might be on their way home. Some people might be on their way to visit friends and family. But now it's the whole day of celebration and food. See you later.
Eid means to me, uh, a time to spend with family. It's a celebration after, uh, the finishing of the fasts. And, uh, it's a time to enjoy and be with family.
Well, they, it's the day that you spread the love. It's, um, it's a day that we all cherish.
After a long month of fasting and, you know, all the worship you've been doing and when you're trying your hardest for your fast, it's just like a nice break. For me personally, it's like I get to, um, see lots of cousins and family I don't see usually, and go out to eat and things like that. And, you know, dress up nice and stuff like that in the evenings as well. See your friends. It's just a nice day for everyone to get together.
We might play some football, and then, uh and then we might go, and then we're gonna go home and, uh, have our eating.
To mark this joyous occasion and to spread the Eid cheer. Children are given money gifts by their parents and relatives. This is known as an Eidi or Eidiya.
This is your Eidiya, your Eid present, there you go, you're welcome.
Eid, for me is an occasion where you're not just celebrating the holy month of Ramadan coming to an end, but it's about people coming together and celebrating that Islam is a religion of peace and purity.
Don't hate people. People can, people learn to appreciate each other.
Same time, also have to remember the less fortunate people as well. You know who are, sort of, less fortunate than us in this day and every day as well.
On Eid, um, we give money to poor people and homeless people, because whatever you give, you get good deeds from Allah. And he thinks a good, a good, thing of you.
All Muslims are expected to give a small percentage of their income to charity. This is called Zakat and is one of the five obligatory duties of Islam, and any extra donations they want to give is called Sadaqah.
When I give money to people, homeless people, especially homeless people, I feel so proud of myself because I've done a very good thing, that God likes and loves.
It's an opportunity for people to recognise that there's a lot of love out there, that is focussed around understanding different people's cultures, but at the same time also maintaining the idea that humanity should know one another and everyone is welcome to celebrate Eid.
To celebrate, we're gonna go to a restaurant during daylight, because we can. We're gonna eat.
Enjoy your food.
We will.
