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Encyclopedia of Religion entry forAlbinosFrom the Latin word for " white," a designation of persons having an irregularity in the skin. This irregularity (leucosis) affects the color of the hair (white) and the eyes (the iris appearing red). The phenomenon appears also in animals. Since any-thing mysterious, startling, or uncanny sometimes en-genders awe, Albinos have received religious veneration among certain races. Sometimes they have been made priests. On the other hand, they are sometimes looked upon with horror and disgust. The Hindus call them Kakrelaks, a name for loathsome insects. They will not allow them decent burial, but cast them into ditches. See Edward Westermarck; J. A. Dubois and H. K. Beauchamp, Hindu Manners, etc. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
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