Before the arrival of Europeans and the introduction of Christianity, the indigenous peoples of Panama practiced a variety of traditional, animistic religions. These beliefs centered on:
* Animism: The belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and phenomena, such as trees, rivers, mountains, and animals.
* Shamanism: Religious practices involving shamans, who acted as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, performing rituals for healing, divination, and guidance.
* Ancestor Veneration: Honoring and seeking guidance from deceased ancestors, who were believed to have influence over the living.
* Polytheism: In some regions, there were beliefs in multiple deities, often associated with natural forces or aspects of life.
* Nature Worship: Reverence for the natural world and its elements.
These indigenous religions varied among different tribes and regions within Panama, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape before colonization.