What do 3 monkeys mean? Three wise monkeys

There are many assumptions about the place where the three monkeys appeared: they name China, India, and even Africa, but the homeland of the three monkeys is still Japan. Confirmation may be reading in Japanese the actions expressed by the composition: “I don’t see, I don’t hear, I don’t speak” (when written using the kanji 見猿, 聞か猿, 言わ猿 - mizaru, kikazaru, ivazaru). The suffix that gives the negation “-zaru” is consonant with the word “monkey”, in fact it is a voiced version of the word “saru” (猿). It turns out that the image of three monkeys is a kind of pun or rebus, a play on words understandable only to the Japanese. So....

Undoubtedly original religious significance monkey group. It is often directly called a Buddhist symbol, but not everything is so simple. Yes, Buddhism accepted three monkeys, but it was not he, or rather, he was not the only one who gave birth to the three monkeys.

Religion in Japan has special properties: it is unusually malleable and at the same time elastic: throughout history, the Japanese have encountered many religious and philosophical teachings, accepted and processed them, combining, sometimes incompatible, complex systems and syncretic cults.

Cult of Kosin

Three Monkeys originally associated with one of the Japanese folk beliefs- Kosin. Based on Chinese Taoism, Kosin’s faith is relatively simple: one of the main postulates is that three certain observer entities (“worms”) “live” in every person, collecting incriminating evidence on their owner and regularly visiting him during his sleep. with a report to the Heavenly Lord. The follower of the cult, in order to avoid big troubles, needs to abstain from evil in every possible way, and those who have not succeeded in this, so that these internal informants cannot convey something unseemly “to the center” in time, at the estimated time of the “sessions” (usually once every two months) they need to abstain from sleep , hold vigils.

When the Three Monkeys Appeared

The question of the exact time of the appearance of the three monkeys, apparently, cannot be resolved, partly due to the folk nature of the faith, which does not have centralization or any archives. Adherents of the Kosin cult erected stone monuments (koshin-to). Here it is worth looking for the oldest materially recorded images of three monkeys. The problem is that dating such monuments is difficult.

The most famous of the three monkeys provide some certainty. For the Japanese, this composition is known as the “three monkeys from Nikko.”

Three monkeys from Nikko

Nikko is one of the oldest and most famous religious centers in Japan. It is located 140 km north of Tokyo. The attitude of the Japanese towards Nikko can be assessed by the saying “don’t say kekko (Japanese: wonderful) until you have seen Nikko.” And the most famous attraction of wonderful Nikko is the Toshogu Shinto Shrine, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and in the National Treasures of Japan. Toshogu is a complex of buildings decorated with rich, expressive wooden carvings. The complex's secondary utility building, the stable, became world famous thanks to the three monkeys carved on it.

In addition to their general fame, the Nikko monkeys can give us an accurate upper bound on the appearance of the symbol. The construction of the stables with its decorations is confidently dated back to 1636, so by this time the three monkeys already existed as a single composition. One can carefully push back the time of the appearance of the three monkeys by 1-2 centuries before their depiction in Nikko; it is unlikely that the monkeys in the Kosin cult were borrowed from the stables of the sanctuary; it is more logical to assume the opposite direction of borrowing, and the symbolism should be sufficiently formed and widely known.

The meaning of the three monkeys

The meaning of the composition is often misinterpreted: it is easier for Westerners to see in the three monkeys a kind of collective ostrich with its head in the sand in the face of problems.

So what do monkeys symbolize? If we recall the Japanese reading-pun (I don’t see - I don’t hear - I don’t pronounce) composition, you can understand that it serves as a visual expression of the corresponding negations.

The basis that unites different religious and philosophical movements (including the cult of Kosin) is the goal of personal development - achieving enlightenment, confronting everything untrue (in English simply “evil” - that is, evil) inside and outside. For example, Buddhists have mechanisms that can be illustrated by monkeys, this is the development of peculiar “filters” that do not allow the untrue to reach consciousness; a Buddhist must “not hear” “evil”. One of the English-language versions of the name of the composition of three monkeys is “no evil monkeys”. If a person follows the principles portrayed by the monkeys, he is invulnerable. But in essence, the three monkeys are a reminder poster, like the Soviet “Don’t talk!”, a call to maintain purity (both ethical and aesthetic).

Sometimes a fourth monkey is added - Shizaru, symbolizing the principle of “do no evil”. She may be depicted covering her belly or crotch.

Well, that is, don’t let go of what’s below your belt yet...

The famous Shinto shrine Nikko Tosho-gu in the Japanese city of Nikko houses a work of art known throughout the world. A carved panel depicting three wise monkeys has been located above the door of this temple since the 17th century. Made by sculptor Hidari Jingoro, the carving illustrates famous phrase“I don’t see anything, I don’t hear anything, I won’t say anything.”

Three wise monkeys./ Photo: noomarketing.net

It is believed that this proverb came to Japan from China in the 8th century, as part of Tendai Buddhist philosophy. It represents three dogmas that symbolize worldly wisdom. The carved monkey panel is only one small part of a larger series of panels at Tosho-gu Shrine.

Three monkeys at Tosho-gu Shrine in Nikko, Japan.

There are a total of 8 panels, which represent the “Code of Conduct” developed by the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. A similar phrase appears in the collection of sayings of the philosopher “Lun Yu” (“Analects of Confucius”). Only in the edition, dating back to approximately the 2nd – 4th centuries AD, it sounded a little different: “Do not look at what is contrary to decency; do not listen to what is contrary to decency; do not say anything that is contrary to decency; do not do anything that is contrary to decency.” It is possible that this is an original phrase that was shortened after it appeared in Japan.

World War II poster addressed to participants in the Manhattan Project.

The monkeys on the carved panel are Japanese macaques, which are very common in the Land of the Rising Sun. On the panel, monkeys sit in a row, the first one covers its ears with its paws, the second closes its mouth, and the third is carved with its eyes closed.

Monkeys are commonly known as "see no, hear no, speak no" monkeys, but in fact, they have their own names. The monkey who covers his ears is called Kikazaru, the one who covers his mouth is Iwazaru, and Mizaru closes his eyes.

Three wise monkeys on the beach in Barcelona.

The names are probably a play on words, as they all end in "zaru", which is Japanese stands for monkey. The second meaning of this word is “to leave,” that is, each word can be interpreted as a phrase aimed at evil.

Together, this composition in Japanese is called “Sambiki-Saru”, i.e. “Three Mystical Monkeys”. Sometimes a fourth monkey named Shizaru is added to the famous trio, who represents the principle of “do no evil.” It is worth noting that according to the generally accepted opinion, Shizaru was added much later in the souvenir industry, only for commercial purposes.

Brass casting.

Monkeys represent the approach to life in the Shinto and Koshin religions. Historians believe that the symbol of the three monkeys is approximately 500 years old, however, some argue that similar symbolism was spread in Asia by Buddhist monks, originating in the ancient Hindu tradition. Photographs of monkeys can be seen on ancient Koshin scrolls, at which time the Tosho-gu Shrine, where the famous panel is located, was erected as a sacred building for Shinto believers.

Most old monument kosin

Contrary to popular belief that the three monkeys originated in China, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" sculptures and paintings are unlikely to be found in any country other than Japan. The oldest kosin monument to feature monkeys was built in 1559, but it only features one monkey, not three.

Symbolic group of three monkeys covering eyes, ears and mouth with paws appeared in the East, most sources agree with this. More specifically, the “place of birth” of the three monkeys is called with a high degree of certainty Japan. This is confirmed both by historical artifacts and linguistically.

Prohibitions expressed by the composition “not to see, not to hear, not to speak” (when recorded using kanji見猿, 聞か猿, 言わ猿 - mizaru, kikazaru, ivazaru) consist of an action verb and an archaic suffix giving the negation " -zaru" So this suffix is ​​consonant with the word “monkey”, in fact, it is a voiced version of the word “ Sarah"(猿). It turns out that the image of three monkeys is a kind of pun or rebus, a play on words understandable only to the Japanese.

The most ancient of famous images three monkeys are also found in Japan. Most likely, the composition of three monkeys first appeared in the local Japanese cult of Ko-shin. In China, this teaching (in Chinese Geng-shen, 庚申) is well known and developed in the Taoist canon; the practices of Geng-shen have been described since ancient times and can be considered part of the living Taoist tradition. In Japan, the ritual practices of Ko-shin were first carried out among the educated nobility at the imperial court and only later became somewhat widespread among the wider population, gaining the support of individual Buddhist schools. Currently, the cult of Ko-shin in Japan has almost completely disappeared, and if it survived anywhere, it has either degenerated into banal regular parties with alcohol, or has turned into cultural reconstructions.

Brief background: in the East the magic of numbers has always been revered and the monkey is considered not only as an animal: it is also a number or, if you like, one of the phases of the universal cycle. If we recall the currently particularly popular eastern “animal” calendar, in which alternating years are designated by one of 12 animal symbols, you can see a monkey among them. The monkey occupies the ninth position in a cycle of 12 phases. When 10 so-called are added to 12 animals. “celestial trunks” associated with the 5 primary elements, an even larger cycle of 60 phases is formed. Any events are cyclical; the development of all situations can be divided into 60 phases until the next round. There are large, sixty-year and small, sixty-day cycles. The 57th day or year, considered extremely unlucky, is especially celebrated. And this 57th phase is called “ko-shin”, where “ko-” (庚) is one of the primary elements, usually called metal, and “-shin” (申) is a monkey.

From the Chinese Taoists, the Japanese received the doctrine of three essences (“worms”) living in the human body. They tempt their wearer to commit various rash acts, and then regularly, on the night of that very “monkey” ko-shin day, when the wearer falls asleep, they send a denunciation of his misdeeds to higher powers. Followers of the folk cult (in Japan Ko-shin, in China Geng-shen) organize collective vigils every 60 days to prevent the three worms from contacting the supreme deity.

Japanese followers of the cult often depict the six-armed, blue-faced punishing deity Shomen-Kongo (靑面金剛) on scrolls and stone carvings. Sometimes one, two or three monkeys became his companion-attributes (apparently, the importance of the monkey’s day influenced it). Gradually, it was the three monkeys (probably because of the three internal worms in humans) that began to predominate, and the poses became unambiguous (remember the homophony of reading actions expressed by monkeys). Most likely, it was in this way that a stable composition with three monkeys was formed, but it did not gain independence for a very long time, remaining an attribute somewhere under the feet of the blue-faced deity.

Three monkeys gained fame and fame in Nikko (日光), one of the historical religious and cultural centers of Japan. Nikko's most famous landmark is the Toshogu Shinto Shrine (東照宮), famous for the intricate carvings that adorn the buildings. Some of the compositions that make up the decoration of the buildings are recognized as masterpieces, for example, a sleeping cat or three monkeys. Monkeys do not decorate central building complex of the sanctuary, but just a stable. Moreover, the carved panel with the composition “I don’t see, I don’t hear, I don’t speak” is not the only one, but among the various monkey poses, the Japanese singled out these three figures. Since then, these are the most famous three monkeys in the world, the standard of composition, even any symbolic group of three monkeys can be called “The Three Monkeys of Nikko.”

Monkeys from Nikko are interesting to us from a historical perspective because they provide a completely definite, materially fixed upper limit for the appearance of a symbol. The construction of the stable with its decorations is confidently attributed to 1636, that is, by this time the three monkeys clearly existed as a single composition.

A much earlier example is given to us by Buddhist literature. Monk Muju at his most famous book"Collection of sand and stones" sometime between 1279 and 1283. wrote a poem in which three monkey negations are mentioned by name, and in the parable-commentary to this poem these negations are directly called monkeys. That is, in the 13th century. at least one Buddhist monk knew and appreciated the play on words on which the symbolism of the three monkeys is based.

Legends call the name of the first Japanese person to depict three monkeys; this is the founder of a branch of Buddhism tendai, the great teacher Dengyo-daishi (Saicho, 最澄). He lived in the 8th-9th centuries. and he is credited with many “discoveries” that have entered Japanese culture. Dengyo allegedly could have brought the symbol of the three monkeys from China along with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, tea, etc. But, nevertheless, legends remain legends. To us, the three monkeys seem more like a Japanese endemic than a symbol that came from the mainland. In general, at the Tendai school and its cult center - Mount Hiei near Kyoto - there are extremely many coincidences associated with the three monkeys, so the cultural and geographical localization of the symbolism is very likely there.

But with a biological prototype three monkeys simpler: if the symbol appeared in Japan, then most likely the only monkeys living in the country were depicted - Japanese macaques (lat. Macaca fuscata).

About principles and names

Turning to the theme of the story of the three monkeys, one cannot help but consider separately the question of the principles they symbolize, and independently of the prohibition to see, hear and speak and the prohibition to see, hear and speak precisely evil.

Three no's

Analogues of a stable combination of denials or prohibitions to see, hear, speak can be found in many religious and philosophical teachings of both the East and the West. In this sense, the principle expressed by the three monkeys is much older than the monkeys themselves.

The most commonly remembered quote is from Confucius

In addition to Confucianism, Taoism is also indicative, in which the central concept - Tao - is apophatically described through three negations:

If it is highly likely that the visual composition with monkeys appeared among the Koshin cult, which has undeniable roots in Chinese Taoism, it would be very tempting to assume that it illustrates a Taoist principle. However, there is no evidence of this, and material evidence rather refutes this assumption.

Against evil

In English and in general Western culture monkeys are often referred to as “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” (don’t look at evil, don’t listen to evil, don’t speak evil), which significantly shifts the meaning of the symbolism (see section The Philosophy of the Three Monkeys). It is enough to recall the Taoist understanding of the duality of opposites or the desire not to build boundaries in definitions and judgments to generate persistent doubts about the presence of evil in the original understanding of symbolism. Indeed, in Japanese it is 三匹の猿 (three monkeys) or 見猿, 聞か猿, 言わ猿 (not seeing, not hearing, not speaking). Apparently evil comes from the West.

If not with one hundred percent certainty, then with a very high degree of probability it can be argued that the prohibition to see, hear and speak evil existed in Western culture before becoming familiar with the symbolism of the three monkeys.

There is an outstanding figure in US history who laid many of the foundations of the American nation - Thomas Paine ( Thomas Paine) - Englishman, but one of the "Founding Fathers" of America.

In his letter we see familiar denials:

At the time of writing these lines, Japan had long been pursuing a policy of self-isolation and any relations with the outside world were minimal, so the possibility of the influence of Japanese monkeys on Payne’s work can be excluded.

And in order not to be limited to the New World, let us give an example from Europe

In the ancient church of St. Paul's in Roquardine ( Wrockwardine, Shropshire ( Shropshire), England) in the 19th century. reconstruction was carried out, during which new stained glass windows were inserted. In one of the compositions, three angels hold scrolls with imperatives that will later be written on the figures of three monkeys: “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” (don’t look at evil, don’t listen to evil, don’t speak evil)

We can conclude that the exotic symbol that came from Japan met with the principle of rejection of evil, already familiar to the West, which led to a rethinking and added popularity to the three monkeys.

Alternative origin theories

The topic of the origin of the three monkeys cannot be considered exhausted without revealing the theory of the extra-Japanese origin of symbolism. As mentioned above, in Japan the composition of three monkeys is often considered to be borrowed from China. This point of view is shared, in particular, by long-term researcher of the topic Michio Iida (飯田 道夫). Judging by the article in the Chinese-language section of Wikipedia (Chinese), China also agrees with this theory. But China is only an intermediate link here. The symbolism of the three monkeys seemed to come along the Great silk road not from anywhere, but straight from Ancient Egypt. Among the images of Egyptian sacred baboons and throughout Asia, right up to Japanese Islands researchers are trying to find irrefutable evidence of the existence of the three-monkey composition before its appearance in Japan. So far, as far as we know, no such evidence has been found, although a significant number of interesting artifacts with unclear or controversial interpretations have been selected.

Respecting the opinion of adherents of the extra-Japanese theory, we, however, will take the liberty of calling it only an alternative until truly decisive arguments appear.

Hello, dear readers – seekers of knowledge and truth!

Perhaps among the oriental souvenirs you have come across figurines of monkeys covering their mouths, eyes or ears. These are three monkeys - I don’t see, I don’t hear, I won’t say. They have a curious and entertaining story, going back several centuries.

Today’s article will tell you what the cute figures of monkeys mean, where they come from, thanks to whom they saw the light, what non-obvious meaning they have, and also whether they somehow relate to religion.

What are they called?

The very name of the three monkeys indicates their national origin. They are called “san-zaru”, or “sambiki-no-saru”, which means “three monkeys” in Japanese.

I don’t see anything, I don’t hear anything, I won’t say anything - in in this case The word “nothing” must be understood as precisely evil. Philosophy and life position is this: I don’t see evil, I don’t hear it, I don’t talk about it, which means I’m completely protected from it. Monkey figurines are a symbol of rejection of the evil of this world.

Each monkey has its own name:

• Mia-zaru – closes eyes;
• Kika-zaru - covers the ears;
• Iwa-zaru closes his mouth.

The meaning of their names lies in their action, or rather inaction: “miazaru” is translated as “not to see”, “kikazaru” - “not to hear”, “iwazaru” - not to speak.

“Why monkeys?” - you ask. The fact is that the second part of all the above actions - “zaru” - is consonant with Japanese word, meaning monkey. So it turns out to be a kind of play on words, the originality of which only a true Japanese can fully appreciate.

IN Lately A fourth monkey is increasingly being added to the monkey trio. Her name is Shizaru, and she personifies the moral of the whole phrase - “I do no evil.” In the images, she covers her tummy or “causal areas” with her paws.

However, Shi-zaru did not take root among its relatives, especially in Asia. According to one statement, the reason for this is the unnaturalness of this monkey, because it was allegedly invented artificially as a well-calibrated marketing ploy.

Another opinion says that the problem is in Eastern numerology, which calls the number “four” bringing misfortune. It stayed that way famous figurine a trio, not a quartet.

Origin of the symbol

The figurine’s hometown is Nikko, which is located 150 kilometers from the capital of Japan, Tokyo. The Japanese love this place, and this is not surprising - the Tosho-gu Shinto shrine is located here. It is a stunning complex of carved buildings - a true masterpiece of wood carving.

No wonder Tosho-gu is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. But another attraction is the stables. It is here that the carved sculpture “San-zaru” has been displayed above the door since the 17th century. Its author is Hidari Jingoro, the man thanks to whom the three monkeys became known to the whole world.

In Japan people generally love monkeys. In this country, they are considered wise animals, personifying resourcefulness and leading to success.

You can often see a sculpture of a monkey - Migavari-zaru - near houses. In another way, it can be called a double of a monkey. She drives away evil spirits, evil spirits that can attract misfortune, illness, injustice.

Religious overtones

An offshoot of Tendai Buddhist thought, the monkey symbol reached Japanese lands through the Chinese Buddhist monk Saicho in the 8th century. Even then, three monkeys meant practical intelligence and boundless wisdom.

Indeed, he happily accepts and supports the wise saying from the lips of Sanzaru: there is no need to notice the evil that is happening around, just as there is no need to commit it, feed it, and then the path to Enlightenment will be cleaner and easier.

Moreover, figurines of monkeys are quite often used in Buddhist shrines. But it would be wrong to assume that they originate in philosophy.

In fact, the three “zaru” go back to the Japanese cult of Koshin, which, in turn, “migrated” from the Chinese Tao religion. According to Kosin’s belief, a person is inhabited by certain entities that watch over the owner.

If he cannot cope with internal evil, once every two months these entities find out the master’s secrets about atrocities, directing them to the Almighty.

Three monkeys on the walls of Toshogu Temple, Nikko city, Japan

To avoid punishment, a person needs not to see, not to hear evil, not to talk about it and not to commit it, and on dangerous days, when entities can break out, one should not even sleep!

Similar worldly wisdom associated with renunciation, renunciation of atrocities, is found in many religious directions and them sacred texts: in Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Judaic, Jain religion.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for your attention, dear readers! May wisdom and luck never leave you.

The complex, with a few exceptions, is UG. Stupid. If three complexes located within a half-kilometer radius each specialized in their own, it would be much better. What we have now is complete nonsense. Cheap rags for exorbitant prices, one and a half brand stores. There are no so-called “anchors” that would keep the center afloat. There was a review here that the market at this place was bad. Is it true. The market was also miserable, but at least it had a feature - it was a market. He gathered people with low and middle incomes from all over the region. Now this is the most active part of buyers. And in the new complex there is practically nothing aimed at them. In addition, in the area too. Seagull - above average. Rainbow - average, but increasing. Therefore, the stores located nearby Magnit, Khleboproduct-2, Pharmacy Low Prices, Cheap Tobacco always have a lot of buyers. Consequently, there are a lot of cars that constantly block the access roads to the Three Monkeys. There are a lot of taxi drivers in the parking lot of the complex and there is not always room for buyers, although there is room to expand the parking lot. In general, visiting the complex is extremely inconvenient, especially during rush hour, which is when the majority of buyers arrive. The owners of the same Chaika are somehow trying to work with this. Also, in Three Monkeys there is no normal cafe, which, with high-quality (prices, comfort, service, in this order) work, attracts a lot of young people. Grocery General Store - you can give 3+ only for a more or less decent assortment. Promotions are held rarely. Apparently no one works with prices. “If you want, take it, no, your neighbor and the magnet are nearby” is the basic principle of operation. Regarding the assortment, it is designed to suit the taste of the administration. There are few delays and this is a plus.

Miracle Yudo - a toy store and some clothes. Prices are average and above average. There are a lot of shops in the city, albeit with a smaller assortment, but with significantly lower prices.

Centro is one of the anchors. Designed specifically for the local “contingent”. But since there are pickpockets in full swing, that’s also in question. Gold is like gold. One less, one more. The presence of offices of HowCredit, Sovcombank, Divan-TV is a definite plus in the square. The whole country is in loans. But the cash desk of the city system with working hours from 10:00 to 21:00 is clearly not enough. Only the presence of a maximum of payment systems and ATMs can bring the complex to a qualitatively new level. Despite the fact that this is not difficult to do.

IN overall score for the complex - it is not justified. There is an opinion that the complex was built, hired tenants and forgotten. Now they are just collecting money.

I remember very well the time when the Raduga mini-market was located on the site of today's shopping center. Then there was a period of long construction. For some reason it was thought that there would be a new indoor market. But no, another shopping center with a shocking name has appeared. I remember that buzz in the environment local residents On the 23rd microdistrict because of this ridiculous name))) this topic was even discussed in the local news)) the noise passed, but the center remained. I've been there a couple of times, both times in passing and mostly out of curiosity. Although I made purchases at “Miracle Yudo” and in the soap products department. What to say?! A huge building with an irrational amount of space used. I have never seen such stupidity anywhere. For the first time in the city, it was here that I saw an escalator - also a kind of progress, now this will not surprise anyone. There are many departments: all sorts of different things. I've been to several of them. A bit expensive, of course. Similar products are much cheaper in other shopping centers and stores. Of the staff, I only communicated with the sellers of “Miracle Yudo” and the souvenir department - there are no complaints about them, they are normal. I don’t presume to judge the others, but it is a fact that they are not sympathetic and indifferent to the client. I think that “3 Monkeys” also has its fans, I even know some. But in general, the shopping center as a center only claims to have an original name.

The name of the complex is original. There are only two stores and I'm out of numbers. The prices are simply prohibitive. The service is 2 plus. And what a beauty salon there is - just terrible. No, everything looks beautiful. Stuttering admin!!! And somehow I witnessed a showdown, as it turned out the director was a rude person, communicating with his subordinates. I immediately abandoned the procedure and ran without looking back. And I don’t regret it one bit. Tough!!!

I agree that it is expensive. There are not many clothing departments and they are mainly designed for the category of middle-aged people; I didn’t find anything youthful here. The only thing that really pleased me was the “Empire of Bags” department, there is a large selection and, in my opinion, the prices here are a little lower. Well, also the “people's” store “TsentrObuv”.

Nice complex with poor security and administration

The complex itself is very good: in addition to various shops with jewelry and souvenirs, there is a grocery supermarket and a basement market, which is very convenient! But I really didn’t like the attitude of the administration towards people!!!
Here's an example - I didn't give a damn about the guys when I was on the -1st floor, to which the administrator said that in Orenburg this is the mentality of people and it's our fault for raising children, having ignored all my comments!!! And in front of my eyes, she scolded Mom who put the child in a cart with groceries in a place adapted for this (Carts are expensive and you break them!) I really didn’t like this rudeness as a citizen of another country and a guest of Orenburg!!! Realizing that no one here would take me seriously, I left with bad mood. I hope someone reads this comment and can do something about it because your people are good and the city is amazing!

The name of the complex claims to be original, but not to everyone’s taste. Although it’s certainly not about the name... Since I live two stops away from it, I have to stop by often. First, about the minuses: completely stupid clothing and shoe departments, with the possible exception of Kari. I used to often look into Centro, but after they took out my wallet there (with money, card and license), I never set foot there. Security in the complex is just one name. On the day when I became a victim of pickpockets, the Centro sellers said that there was no security in the store itself, and the cameras did not record, and directed me to the security guard who sits at the entrance to the complex. I don’t know, of course, maybe he went away to relieve himself at that very moment, but he wasn’t there, and when he came, he said that he couldn’t help... This store is just a paradise for pickpockets: I’ve already mentioned the lack of security and recording cameras she said, in addition, the victim can be held at gunpoint directly from the Forstadt ATM, which is very conveniently located at the entrance to the store. So people, be careful, entering a store with a wallet, you risk leaving without it. The undoubted advantages of the Three Monkeys include free parking, the presence of an escalator, a large assortment of products in the General Store, I often buy good minced meat at the market (ground floor), the Alisa children's clothing store was very pleased with the assortment and prices, the complex's operating hours are convenient for those who work before 18:00.

2 stupid floors of all sorts of nonsense. The name itself is repulsive, I know who came up with it and how, I won’t describe it, but the meaning corresponds to the name and it’s not very pleasant. As for the selection of some dry and not very friendly staff, the only thing I like is the section dedicated to cats, cool, with decorative souvenir samples, many very different, I like it. I also like that there is an adequate qiwi terminal here, although this is not the merit of the complex, of course, it accepts bills right away, people who are already crying for the fiftieth time putting a bill into the machine will understand me, but here everything is fine. In my opinion, the space is used irrationally, there is a lot of free space, everything is somehow stupid.

so-so

Overall not bad, but nothing to buy here. We only go for the shoe departments. I would generally remove souvenirs at exorbitant prices and perfume from the first floor, and add a shoe department. so that there is a slope towards the shoes. We also go to the sales store. on the second floor the prices for things are prohibitive. It’s easier to buy either at the bazaar, or even in a nearby rainbow. What's missing is a cozy cafe.

The main disadvantage is the lack of good lighting

Such poor lighting, on the second floor you can’t see anything in the middle at all, there is no lighting above the escalators at all, it’s terrible. main beauty The shopping center is a light, apparently no one knows about it there.

There really isn’t enough of a cozy cafe; in place of a grocery store, if there was a super magnet it would be + 3 points.

The departments are not bad, I like them)

Not a bad shopping center. 2 floors, each, as expected, with shopping areas: “Miracle Yudo”, jewelry, souvenirs, grocery and many others. On the ground floor there are Sberbank ATMs, " Gold Crown"Gazprom-ovsky and a couple more. There are also several cafes there for every taste and color. Convenient underground parking, the sun doesn’t reach you, so you always leave there in a cool car.
Despite all the advantages, only 9 from me... a little expensive.

I live nearby and go there several times a week. the market on the 0th floor cannot be replaced! big choice meat products and Winnie the Pooh point, tobacco +, fish+, vegetables+. on the 1st floor there is a "city" cash register system, which is open until 9 pm, very convenient, 2 large shoe stores low prices, Curry and Center-footwear, General store is good, prices are reasonable, the range is large, inconvenience with the cash registers, a very narrow approach to them, and few cashiers during peak hours. The sushi bar is excellent, very tasty and inexpensive, I was skeptical about their location, I thought they would close, but they have been open for a long time, well done guys! I also like the large selection of slot machines. but the 2nd floor does not attract anything except as a sale! You can’t find anything from clothes below 1500-2000, taking into account discounts, there are few stores, there are no options for young people, mainly for young and adult women. I would like an inexpensive point youth clothing, rive gauche or l'etoile, as for the cafe, I'm not sure there will be demand, unless fast food, as in Gulliver

we really like it

and we really like this wonderful store. We only buy groceries there. toys gifts gold everything from there is beautiful and interesting scenery. large selection of shops. It’s convenient that there is also an indoor market on the ground floor. There's a great flower shop there. courteous sellers and discipline and I completely disagree with Elena, if for you this is a stupid store then go to the armada to the castrom store

Expensive is an understatement. Of course, there are a couple of budget stores like “Miracle Yudo” or “Centro”... everything else is for established people in age category 25+. I just like to walk here. The so-called not shopping, but “zyring”. And so...there are many different stores here: clothes, shoes, bags, toys, equipment, jewelry. There is a very good store called Dilor: I ordered glasses there... my vision was checked, the frames were selected, they were made quickly and efficiently)

You know what I'll tell you! The shopping center is very good. By the way, there is another center nearby, and there is also a seagull nearby. The center is called a rainbow. Those who are not happy ask for mercy! I live across the street and go there every day. Someone said there is only ONE department with products! Yes, one, but what’s more in the armada or, say, in the gulliver? retail outlets 1 large grocery department. What did you expect? The area is small, and building something like this there is very commendable; it’s not the huge scale of the Armada and the North. The coolest parking in the city, we note that compared to Armada it is simply gorgeous. As for shoe and clothing stores. Yes, there are not as many clothing stores there as we would like, but there is a choice there; by the way, there is a large store for young people - Garage. Very cool shops Sympathy, Pompa. And by the way, the staff there is not bad, very kind. And their regular customers they know by sight. As for shoe stores. Kari? Center Shoes, Baden? If I'm not mistaken there is another store there. And by the way, there is a lot of choice there. Children's goods: Miracle Yudo the Giant is a very large store with friendly staff and a large selection of toys, children's clothing, and various goods. Next to Miracle Yudo there is a children's art supply store called "Orange Elephant". Of course, it’s expensive there, but in all stores selling children’s art supplies, the amount paid for the goods is high. The General Store is not bad enough, the only thing is that there is always a line, but it’s tolerable, as far as I know, this is the only food store that sells Milkies (but this is by the way, the kids in our area just love this drink, by the way, you go to Three Monkeys and you see teenagers with Milkis). Now, as for the market, the only shopping complex with a market, always fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. By the way, all butchers are very respectful to their customers. Recently a third floor appeared there with some Academicians. As far as I understand, this is some kind of children's development center, by the way, you can organize children's parties there. Nearby there is a crossbow and archery shooting range. And a sofa, sitting on which it is convenient to watch what is happening on the first and second floors. As for the Garden of Eden cafe, it is now located all over shopping center. Comfortable! Recently, “The Three Monkeys” celebrated a birthday and it was very fun, but in all shopping complexes birthdays are fun, but you know, last year it was more fun. They gave us various cakes and tea for free. Well, okay, and now, as for the name - Three Monkeys, I think it’s a very funny name, our children say “let’s go to the monkeys” (by the way, now instead of a bathhouse, they send each other to the monkeys). I disagree with those who say that this name should and does scare off visitors. So you're just a stupid person with no sense of humor. Do you think the name Guliver should not scare away? I immediately imagine a big guy with the head of the emblem of the Guliver shopping complex and with large size legs The Armada is generally of Spanish origin. Well, I’ll keep quiet about the north, the name is apt. In general, if we talk about what kind of rating the three monkeys shopping complex gets. This is 10 out of 10. I repeat once again, on such a small site a very large building has grown. And by the way, with three monkeys it’s simply impossible to get lost, everything is clear there, but every time I come to the armada, I get confused with these galleries of theirs! And by the way, as I looked at in the comments, many said it wasn’t very good, but gave it an average rating. People in our country do not know how to express their thoughts!