Palo, also known as Palo Monte and Las Reglas de Congo, is an African diasporic religion that developed in Cuba. … Initiates in the religion are termed paleros (male) or paleras (female). Palo teaches the existence of a creator deity, Nsambi or Sambia, who is uninvolved in human affairs.

What does Nfumbe mean?

It is a Palo Kikongo word that means “dead one.” It is an ambiguous term within Palo’s language of the dead and means as much “dead person” as “force of the dead.” It is also the term used to refer to human bones.

What is the difference between Santeria and Palo Mayombe?

The difference between the two religions is Santeria uses the forces of light, while practitioners of Palo Mayombe use the forces of darkness to achieve their goals, he said. The religion is often practiced in basements where the spirits of Palo Mayombe can be stored, he said.