ABSTRACT
There is very little information available to the public in the United States about the Kongo religions. The majority of the literature available on the subject is written in Spanish and is from Cuba where the religion is openly practiced. Because of the secretive nature of Palo Mayombe (usually referred to simply as Palo) and other Bakongo religious traditions, responders may rarely see the religious artifacts of these religions. Rites are practiced in secret to preserve their sacred customs and because of the controversial use of human remains in their practices. (The word Kongo is commonly used by religious historians to refer to the kingdom of the Bakongo people. The spelling is considered “traditional” as opposed to Congo, which refers to the new political state in the region.)
Las Reglas de Congo is a term used to refer to the numerous religious traditions of the Bantu people of Central Africa. These traditions include a number of religious cultures that are seen in the United States. These traditions or “branches” are known as Ramas. Each tradition has its own unique practices, symbols and social structures. Some of the Bantu religious traditions include Brilumba, Kimbisa, Corta Lima and Palo Mayombe.1 Palo Mayombe is the Bantu religion that appears to be the most widely practiced throughout the United States.
