Turban or Scarf for Women?

I have noticed that most Sikh women wear scarves except the Sikh women in the United States who wear a turban AND a scarf. Am I wrong? Why the difference? Is one more traditional than the other? Is there philosophical differences at play or is the turban vs chunni (is that right?) just a matter of preference or personal conviction?
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Thank you all!
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Caroline ji,

This question had me bewildered once upon a time too. Consider the many different groups of Sikhs in the US and Canada. They define Bana for themselves as a matter of Sikh identity and religious practice. Much has cultural and historical origins.

Those women who are members of "The Western Dharma" including 3HO Sikhs or followers of Yogi Bhajan often. not always, wear turbans, and for dress up occasions a turban and a scarf. This is an expression of a culture --shared beliefs-- that has grown over the years from the late 1960's. Women of Asian origin or ancestry, including those of Punjabi background, typically do not wear a turban on a regular basis. There are always exceptions -- they too may wear a turban if the culture of their family, friends, gurdwara, or the spiritual practice of their sangat, encourages women to wear turbans. I think maybe women of the Nirmaali sect wear turbans. (Actually I think I am wrong.) There isn't one hard and fast rule. And even women who are 3HO Sikhs do not always wear turbans. They wear scarves and other kinds of head-coverings too. Lots of options.

Thank you so much. I had wondered about that. I asked my Sikh friend from India about turbans for women and she said, "No women don't wear turbans, they wear scarves." But there are all these women with turbans on...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517

Then again, some Sikhs from India cut their hair and don't wear any distinctive clothing, as my friend and her husband. When I was first getting to know her she called and asked if I would co-facilitate a class at the local university and I showed up in a Salwar Kameez (which I have worn for quite some time even before I had ever heard of Sikhism)... She had a suit on and very short hair.
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We sort of looked at each other and she said, "I think it's wonderful that you're wearing my uniform and I am wearing yours."

Oh, what do you call the person who is not yet a khalsa... a Sikh who is still learning but hasn't taken that step? I thought I heard a phrase...

can't remember...

Well, I think I am wrong about the Nirmala sect. But a picture is worth a thousand words.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517

Sikh Women Head Covering ( Turban or Chunni )


As for non-baptized Sikhs - Sehajdhari.

to my understanding they are known by a multitude of names:

Sahejdari Sikhs is the legitimate name bestowed by the Guru upon them.



But some far right members of the khalsa panth often refer to them as:

Weak 'willed' sikhs

materialistic sikhs

'lost' sikhs

'media hypnotized sikhs' is another phrase ive heard.

oh well, I guess life comes slapped with a variety of labels, makes it richer, neh?
cheers

I think Caroline Islands is just trying to get some vocabulary down for starters. As in a working vocabulary. Mabye not.

Sinister ji's retort kind of threw me off balance for a few minutes because I thought the conversation was just about fact gathering. But he does add another dimension to my answer. What I forgot to say was this.

In your statement, Oh, what do you call the person who is not yet a khalsa... a Sikh who is still learning but hasn't taken that step? I thought I heard a phrase...

Yes a Khalsa is one who has taken amrit, has been baptized, has taken a big step. But hopefully the Khalsa are also still learning. It sounded as if you were saying first you are learning, and then when that phase ends, you become Khalsa, and stop learning. The decision to stop learning is an interfaith and crosscultural phenomenon.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517

Honestly, I already know I'm going to be a Sikh. Its not a matter of making up my mind. Its a matter of taking an appropriate length of time to learn the basics and get a good foundation before I become a baptized Sikh and start displaying the outward signs. I would jump in right now if it weren't for the fact that people are going to want to know what Sikhism is and I wouldn't be able to answer their questions very well right now.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517

I don't want to seem like some flaky American trying on a new religion like a pair of cute shoes.

I want to be respectful and committed and at least somewhat knowledgeable. But there is no lack of commitment or desire -- I am trying to do things decently. That's all.

I read the Siri Guru Granth in English from the web and I am overwhelmed with the beauty of it every time. I listen to Kirtan and read history when I can. I even started Yoga! The closest Gurudwara is over an hour away from me so I haven't been yet but plan on doing that soon. Other than this forum, the internet sites I find and some books, that's all I have in the way of learning and support.

But trust me, as soon as I have a decent knowledge of the history, can remember the names of the Gurus and things they said, have a good understanding of the basics of Sikhism... I WILL BE A Sikh.

I also ordered a kara. I am going to wear it as soon as I get it because even though I may not be baptized, I AM committed. And I think having it on will help remind me throughout the day that my life is on a different track now and everything I do matters. I think it will help me remember to be kind to people and to keep a good attitude about my work and the people whose lives I touch.

dear caroline

Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517
belief starts with inner and grows outwards.

pleasedo take time to seperate message andd essence from practice

there are a lot of cultural aspects which are currently attached as practices to sikhi
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517

time and perseverence in pursuing the truth from the Guru will help you filter it out

God Bless!

Actuaklly Kahand Keertani jatha requires ALL sikhs to wear a head covering, my friend Taj Kaur wears patka, she buns he her at the back of her head like a irl does, and ties patka around that.
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AKJ link: www.akj.org
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=19517

EDIT:

More info on my views, here: Sikh Articles - Dastaar for Women