Final answer:
Sikh birth rite traditions emphasize equality and simplicity, involving a naming ceremony where the child receives a name starting with the first letter of a hymn from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, followed by 'Singh' or 'Kaur'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The birth rite in Sikhism is an important event, and there are specific traditions associated with it. As with many aspects of Sikh life, equality and simplicity are key principles in birth-related ceremonies. As Sikhs believe in a universal God, the emphasis is on spiritual rather than ritualistic practices.
When a child is born into a Sikh family, one of the first rituals is the naming ceremony, known as Nam Karan. During the ceremony, the child's parents and relatives gather together, often in the presence of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, to seek blessings for the newborn. The granthi, who is not a priest by any traditional definition since Sikhism rejects a priestly class, but rather someone knowledgeable in the scriptures, will randomly open the Sri Guru Granth Sahib to select a verse. The first letter of the first word of the hymn on the page is chosen as the first letter of the child's name. The name is then announced to the congregation, and the word 'Singh' (lion) or 'Kaur' (princess) is added as a suffix for boys and girls, respectively.
A common tradition is to distribute Karah Prashad or sweetened semolina to those present in celebration and thanksgiving. This is also a gesture symbolizing the Sikh principle of sharing with the community. The family may also hold an Ardas, a prayer, to express gratitude for the birth and seek the Guru's blessing for the infant's life.