Word
palo
Phoneticspa·lo
/ˈpæɫoʊ/
Definition
n. a group of religions from Cuba that come from Central African traditions. These faiths focus on connecting with the spirits of ancestors and the natural world.
n. a group of closely related denominations with origins in the Congo Basin, developed by enslaved Central Africans in Cuba. It is characterized by the veneration of ancestral spirits and the use of natural objects, particularly sticks or branches, in ritual practice.
Examples
“Many people in Cuba still practice Palo today.”
“The researcher spent years studying the differences between Palo and other Afro-Cuban traditions like Santería.”
“Scholars often distinguish Palo from other Caribbean faiths by its specific focus on the 'nganga', a consecrated vessel containing earth and sticks believed to house a powerful spirit.”
Examples
simple
“Many people in Cuba still practice Palo today.”
contextual
“The researcher spent years studying the differences between Palo and other Afro-Cuban traditions like Santería.”
complex
“Scholars often distinguish Palo from other Caribbean faiths by its specific focus on the 'nganga', a consecrated vessel containing earth and sticks believed to house a powerful spirit.”
Usage
Often capitalized as it refers to a specific religious system; frequently appears in the phrase 'Palo Mayombe'.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/palo