Palo Monte

A belief transmitted by the Kongo tribe brought by the Atlantic slave trade, worshiping the spirits of the dead (especially the spirits of their ancestors), as well as the spirits of water, animals, minerals and the earth, and vegetation. A belief that is a mixture of shamanism, necromancy, and magic.
Also known as Palo Congo, Palo Monte, or simply Palo.

​

The decisive difference between Paro and other mixed religions such as Santeria (especially with Christianity) is that the former adopted Christianity in their respective colonies in order for their slaves to protect their beliefs. On the other hand, the latter is that Christianity was already incorporated into the religion in Africa.

​

It is roughly divided into three denominations.

​

Palo Mayombe
Most faithful to its roots, less mixed with other religions, and uses both positive and negative spells.

​

Palo Brillumba / Briyumba

A sect derived from Paro Majonbe, which is mixed with Christianity and Regula de Ocha (Santeria), and is currently the most well-known sect. Do a positive spell.

​

Palo Kimbisa

This sect was founded and widespread by Andres Petty in the 19th century. It is one of the most mixed denominations, incorporating Santeria, Christianity, Abakua and Voodoo into the religion. Also known as "Sant Coulthard" or "Paro Coulthard". Oricha of Santeria, the Catholic saint, and Npungu of Kimvisa have similar properties. Currently not a mainstream sect. Do only positive spells.

​

What is Paro?
In this case, Paro, which means "stick" in Spanish, simply means "tree" and is used to mean "tree" where spirits live.

​

How many followers?
The exact number is unknown, but it is now worshiped around the world. It was worshiped primarily in Cuba throughout the enslavic era, but has been worshiped among Africans and other whites in various countries since the mid-20th century.

​

Priest
The first ranks of priests who worship Paro are "Palero", "Palera", or "(N) Ngangulero", "(N) Gangulera". 』Called.
A specialist who has practiced magic and fortune-telling.
Pallero is also called "Tata (dad)" and Pallera is also called "Yaya (mother)".

​

Requirements to become a believer
Homosexuality is not allowed.
After receiving an interview, the believer will become "(Nguey)" or "(Nkisi)" (child), but before that, determine whether or not he has a spirit that can be accepted by a spirit. There are interviews called "(N) Kimba" and "Rayamiento".
After that, it becomes "Tata" and "Yaya (Jaja)", and training is carried out to acquire "(N) Ganga".
 

Church / temple
The temple sanctified by Palero (La) is called "Munanso".

​

Bible
The equivalent of Pallero's Bible, "Ntuán".
Most of Paro's traditions, including "(N) Tuan," are passed down from master to disciple by oral tradition. Today, many Tata are trying to put together a book to leave their wisdom and knowledge to posterity.

​

The foundation of doctrine and faith
The temple of Paro deals with spirits of various classes called "Kimpungulo", "(N) Pungos", "(Nkita)" and "(Nkisi)".
It is the spirits that dwell in trees, water, and various substances in nature, and the spirits of great ancestors associated with the god of Santeria (Orisha).
Many of Paro's rituals seek to fulfill popular or spiritual wishes with the power of these spirits, which use offerings, sacrifices, and prayer and witchcraft.
The sacred tool that is positioned at the center of Paro worship is "Prenda", that is, "Nganga", which is an iron three-legged pot-like container.
Various things are included in "Plenda" to facilitate conversation with spirits.
It is a bone (home for the spirits of the dead), trees, sacred grass, etc., which were used in shamanic rituals in ancient times and are considered to govern darkness or evil.
The means of communication with the spirits of Paro are necromancy, humming, and fortune-telling, and the believers practice to master them.

​

Spirit class

Supreme God

(N) Sambi (Nsambi)

Supreme God, Creator. A god who rules and governs all beings and the universe.

Lumgombe

(N) A negative entity inherent in Sambi. Supreme God. In many ways it resembles the Christian devil.

spirit
(N) Kita (Nkita)

Spirits in every element of nature, such as trees, rivers, water, and air

(N) Funbe (= dead)    

ghost. The spirits of the dead and ancestors.
 

Nfun

Floating spirits (wandering spirits), ghosts

Bakalu

Ancestor spirit
 

Eggun

Ancestor spirits with great power

(N) Pungo (Mpungo)

It has a sacred power equivalent to Orisha of Santeria and Roar of Voodoo, and has similar names and characteristics in many respects. (N) Sometimes called Kishi.

* Nkisi is a natural phenomenon such as lightning and wind, and things that exist in the natural world such as trees and water, and the spirits that dwell there are called Mpungo.

* The names and their meanings may differ slightly depending on the reference materials.

Paro's code of ethics is rather unique, and it is believed that there are two forces in the world, and that an imbalance in the balance of these forces causes injustice and misery. Believers use spirits to try to correct this natural force.
Sometimes the problem is romance or financial affairs, academic achievement or illness cure, or revenge on the enemy.

Superstition and misunderstanding
Paro is thought to be a type of black magic, but it is that Paro freely manipulates (n) Humbes, that is, the spirit of "light" and the spirit and ghost of "darkness" called (Ndoki). Probably because it can be done. Magic is rarely used in Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's goal is to develop, grow, and advance the spirit of light, just like any other belief.
Paro is also believed to be part of the Santeria, or part of the darkness of the Santeria, but this misconception is due to the fact that Santeria's followers also seek Paro's Rajamient (permission to enter). It appears to be.
Paro is a completely different belief (although it resembles Santeria in many ways) and has a different origin.

​

others
Religions derived from Congo are also found in countries other than Cuba. Brazil is a typical country, and the Congolese religion is known by names such as Umbanda, Quimbanda / Kimbanda, and Candomblé, and the one traditionally closest to Cuba's Paro is Umbanda.
The Congolese religion that arrived in Jamaica and the Bahamas is called Kumina.

(N) Pungo

Lucero
A person who conveys a message from the gods. The guardian deity of the road. Often depicted as a comical demon with socks and a tail, the symbol is a hook. Elegua in Santeria, Legba in Voodoo, mischievous, sometimes childish and sometimes fierce.

​

Centella    

Rule over graveyards, winds and markets. Corresponds to Maman Brigitte of Boudu, Oja of Santeria.

Sarabanda

Controls iron, blood, battle and noble revenge. Santeria, Voodoo Ogun

​

Siete Rayos

Controls lightning and fire. An incarnation of justice, emotions and inspiration. Santeria Chango

​

Madre Agua

Controls the ocean, motherhood, and creativity. Santeria / Jemaja, Voodoo / Remoja

​

Mama Chola

It governs rivers, love, beauty, wealth and joy. Santeria / Ochun, Voodoo / El Zurier

Tiembra Tierra    

Creator of the earth and mankind. It governs the universe. Ordumare of Santeria

​

Kobayende

Controls death and illness. Babal Aje

​

Mariguanda

The keeper of the door of life and death. Oja Jansa

​

Gurunfinda

Controls the forest and grass. Osign

​

Kimbabula

Orn Mira, who controls fortune-telling and the wind

​

Watariamba

Controls hunting and fighting. Ochoshi

​

Ma Kengue

Controls knowledge and justice. Obatara

​

reference
Palo Mayombe
http://www.elbrujo.net/Palo_Mayombe.htm

Wikipedia (Palo)

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palo_(religi%C3%B3n)

Palo Monte
http://www.cubanmotives.com/Espanol/Articulos/Maria_Vizcaino/ palo_monte.htm

​

Palo Mayombe
http://ar.geocities.com/orixas_iledeoya/palo_mayombe.html