Yaks are a species of daemons recognized as remnants of the primitive superstition of the Singhalese in Ceylon. They are supposed to be the authors of diseases and other misfortunes, and the Yakadura, or devil- dancer, is almost invariably called upon to overcome their malignity by his chants and charms. In these exorcisms the performers wear horrible masks, which have beaks, and are, in fact, caricatures of birds' heads. These daemons are believed to marry, and delight in dances, songs, and other amusements. They have great strength, and some of them are represented as possessing splendor and dignity.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More