Have you ever heard about Palo Religion? To begin with, taking about African religions is a whole new world, this time I got caught in this one developed in the Congo brought to Cuba by slaves. It is named like that due a Cuba's region where wooden sticks were used for the preparation of altars which they call "Nganga", they also have their own priests called "Paleros".
Palo has its roots in the Congo Basin of Central Africa. Palo's language is a mixture of the Spanish and Bantu languages, known as lengua or habla Congo. You might wonder how did I get interested in this topic? Well, It was because of my mom's client. She works in a Saloon, they meet lots of different people and one of their frequent clients went for a cut while I was there, so we talked about our cultures and Palo came to our conversation. He said they have two main pillars: The veneration of the spirits and the belief in natural or earth powers, so I got hooked by this and I started my research.
The main practice of Palo focuses upon the religious receptacle or altar known as "La Nganga" or "La Prenda". This is a consecrated vessel. It is also believed to be inhabited by a spirit of the dead (almost never the direct ancestor of the object's owner), who acts as a guide for all the religious activities which are performed with the Nganga. Various divination methods are used in Palo. Chamalongos use shells of different materials often coconut shells, among others... Well I have to make you feel interested in this so you can search more information like me, Isn't it? ;)
I got really impressed with the place you are talking about. I didn´t even know about this place. Actually, its name sounds me weird. But I relly like me the idea you are interested in knowing new places. After reading your blog, I will search for Palo Region, I would like to know a little more about their religion. All those things about spirits sound exciting. It´s a different culture, but I suppose not to much from our mexican cultures.
ResponderEliminarI found this entry very engaging. I think nature has to be a very important part in all religions. Most of the times any kind of celebration or lifestyle that belongs to a place we’re not very familiar with, causes this feeling of curiosity and interest in getting to know more. You did achieve your purpose! Just as Vero, I’ll start searching about this!
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