Monkey what does the symbol mean. “Three mystical monkeys” - what does this symbol of wisdom mean?

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Monkey are cheerful, energetic and witty little creatures who have strong ties to many religious groups. One Buddhist legend says that before Buddha ascended to heaven, he invited all the animals in the world to join him. Unfortunately, only twelve accepted this offer, and the Buddha rewarded them by naming all the signs of the Zodiac. Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese calendar, and the next Year of the Monkey - 2028 year.
However, before you continue, I advise you to pay close attention to a couple of my popular publications on the topic of tattooing. For example, what does a Lizard Tattoo mean? what is Kiwi Tattoo; what does Hippopotamus Tattoo mean? meaning of Goat Tattoo, etc.
So let's continue Meaning of Monkey Tattoo?

The monkey was assigned to accompany the monk carrying the holy teachings of the Buddha. The keen mind and courageous spirit of the animal protected the monk from demons, helping him spread the sacred teachings of the Buddha in different corners peace. Thus, monkeys are seen as messengers of the gods and protectors.

Monkey also symbolize Repentance and Salvation. In Buddhism, one of the first steps on the path to Enlightenment involves calming the restless "monkey mind" through meditation.

There is sometimes intense debate over the controversial use of primates in various scientific experiments. Because these animals are considered to be humans' closest genetic relatives, they are test subjects in space exploration programs and clinical trials that are considered unsafe for humans. However, many animal activists continue to lobby for their rights.

The meaning of the Monkey tattoo

• Intelligence and wit
• Protection
• Fertility
• Harmony
• Justice
• Spirituality.

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2016 is the year of the Monkey. Among the 12 animals, the monkey is considered one of the smartest. IN folk culture In China, the monkey is loved and revered.

Since ancient times in China there has been a very rich culture officials. Monkey in Chinese - hou - is consonant with the name of the hereditary title of the nobility of the second of the five highest classes - marquis. Therefore, people dreamed of being promoted and given the title of hou, and hoped for a prosperous career. Thus, since then, the monkey has become a symbol of good omen and wealth. Even more interesting is that the Chinese considered monkeys to be intelligent animals that understand human feelings. According to ancient records, monkeys even served in the imperial court.

In Shandong Province in eastern China there is a stone sculpture depicting three monkeys in different poses: one of them covers her mouth with her hands, the other covers her ears, and the third covers her eyes. In fact, these animal figures warn of the need for officials to follow Confucian teachings and strictly adhere to official protocol. “You cannot speak, listen or see something that does not correspond to etiquette.” Only by adhering to these rules can you receive an appointment and live in wealth and honor.

During the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was quite common to see paintings that depicted monkeys on horseback watching the flight of bees; such works meant the “imminent assignment of the title of hou.” In modern times it became more pictures with monkeys.

Following the development of monkey culture, idiomatic expressions, sayings and proverbs associated with this animal appeared.

In addition, many paintings, paper cuttings, sculptures and artistic products in the form of monkeys.

Monkey culture is also evident in Chinese martial arts. The monkey style gets its name from its movements, which are similar to those of this animal. According to historical records that have survived to this day, the monkey style appeared during the Han Dynasty, now in the course of performances different types martial art throughout the country, monkey style is an integral part. In the Shaolin fist fighting technique and in the southern styles of Wushu in Guangdong Province, monkey movements can also be traced.

In the vast territory of Central China, where the Han people live, ancient tradition veneration and respect for the monkey. For example, at temple fairs in Huaiyang County, Zhoukou City, Henan Province, from the second day of the second month to the third day of the third month. lunar calendar massively sold clay toys, which are called "hereditary monkeys". These figures are made in the form of a revered spirit with a crown on his head. The animal's facial expression is majestic and serious. The lower part of the monkey’s body depicts a symbol of female fertility; the animal was revered by people as the founder of the clan.

On stone balusters in many temples there are different images monkeys “Stone monkey” in Chinese – shihou – is consonant with “time”, it means adaptation to climate change, portends Good times and good luck. Since ancient times, people have said: “When the stone monkey (good times) knocks on the door, then the year will be calm.”

Usually, during New Year celebrations, people would give monkey amulet to children. According to legend, a monkey protects a child in childhood and endows him with abilities and talent in mature age. IN village families in the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi, a small stone figurine of a monkey is often tied to six or seven month old children so that the child learns to crawl.

People also say that children born in the year of the Monkey are lucky in everything. Although this statement has no basis scientific justification, many Chinese spouses choose the Year of the Monkey to have children.

Sun Wukong: Classic Monkey Image

Creator classic look Monkeys in Chinese literature became a writer who lived and worked during the Ming Dynasty, Wu Cheng'en. His novel Journey to the West features the Monkey King Sun Wukong. Born from a magic stone, Sun Wukong has amazing skill; the Taoist teacher who took him as a student taught him 72 transformations. After causing trouble in the Heavenly Halls, he was imprisoned by the Buddha under the Five Elements Mountain. Subsequently, Sun Wukong, together with the half-human pig Zhu Bajie, the monk Sha Wujing, accompanying the Buddhist monk and scholar Xuanzang, went to the West (India) to obtain the sutras. On the way to the West they fought with evil spirits, overcame 81 obstacles and adversities, and finally returned to China with the sutras. As a reward for his diligence, the Western Paradise Buddha appointed Sun Wukong as the All-Conquering Buddha. Under the pen of Wu Cheng'en, the monkey king Sun Wukong became the embodiment of justice and synonymous with the best. Today, the character of Sun Wukong is familiar to every Chinese, moreover, he is also known to the world.

Sun Wukong is not afraid of anyone or anything, so he dared to threaten the Sea Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, create a commotion in Hell, and then in the Heavenly Palace, in addition, he argued with Buddha. All this indicates that Sun Wukong is a rebel, he does not intend to tolerate coercion, and is not ready to adhere to established patterns. His fearless spirit, loyalty and optimism allowed him not to be afraid of difficulties and to boldly face challenges. Sun Wukong has the qualities of a hero.

As is obvious, the monkey had a profound influence on China. The image of this animal expresses the wishes of the people for well-being, happiness, longevity and good luck.

The editors of the Renminwan website congratulate you on the New Year of the Monkey and wish all readers prosperity, happiness and good luck.

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 one covers its mouth, and the third one 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 likely a play on words, as they all end in "zaru", which is the Japanese word 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.

Since ancient times, the monkey has been considered the embodiment of agility, cunning and shamelessness. In various cultures it symbolic meanings vary. In China and Tibet, many noble families trace their ancestry to the monkey and are proud of such a totemic ancestor. It is believed that the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara came into the world in the form of a monkey who saved the giantess. Six first ancestors of all Tibetans descended from her marriage. The Chinese associate the monkey with playfulness and ambition.

Monkey Hanuman Divine.
God in Hinduism and the hero of the epic Ramayana.
Patron of sciences, healing and agriculture.

In Buddhism, the monkey is considered one of the three senseless creatures, along with the deer and the tiger. These animals personify the passions that take possession of the soul and make it immune to true spirituality. The doe here acts as a symbol of erotic passion, the tiger - rage and anger, and the monkey - greed, insatiability, attachment to the material world, goods, and satisfaction of sensual desires.

The Japanese revere monkeys, believing that small figurines of these animals are able to protect children and bring happiness. Play on words Japanese language, in which the expression "do nothing" sounds the same as "monkey", led to the creation of the image of the three magical monkeys of Cochin. Three monkeys are depicted with their eyes, ears and mouths closed. These monkey gestures mean that they refuse to see evil, hear evil, or speak evil. Therefore, the figures of the three Cochin monkeys are considered a talisman and protect, in particular, from slander.

In Hinduism, the monkey is also a sacred animal; it personifies loyalty, the willingness to sacrifice oneself to save the life of another. The monkey god Hanuman, who, according to legend, is the son of the wind god Vayu, is revered as a close associate of the god Rama. A courageous warrior and wise advisor, Hanuman protects Rama, symbolizes fertility and the gift of healing.

In Christianity, the meaning of the monkey is negative; here it appears as the embodiment of numerous vices. She is credited with coquetry, recklessness, greed, maliciousness, debauchery, frivolity and vanity. The Monkey became a symbol of heresy, in it the church fathers saw a caricature of a person, an ensemble of all possible human shortcomings.

Monkey Day
In the sacred Aztec calendar, the tonalpoguali called the eleventh day of each of the twenty months ozomagtli, or monkey. Pharmacies believed that on this day it was good to engage in creation, creativity, or just play, organize celebrations and holidays. It should have been carried out lightly and cheerfully, without attaching much importance to what was happening and without starting any serious matters. On this day, noble people were advised to reflect on this. how easy it is to get carried away by the tinsel of public fame and pay for it with honor and dignity. The patron of the Ozomagtli day was Xochipilli, the god of spring vegetation, love, flowers, fun, ball games and corn. This deity also patronized hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms, which the Aztecs used to achieve divine ecstasy.

Year of the Monkey
In accordance with Chinese horoscope, the monkey is the ninth animal of the twelve earthly branches. It is associated with the metal element and summer. This animal is a universal symbol of enterprise, determination, and willingness to go to all kinds of tricks in order to achieve what you want. The monkey, according to the Chinese, is also diplomatic, full of optimism, and stubborn. The Year of the Monkey is a period of active development, conducive to initiative and new beginnings.

Opinions regarding the monkey are quite sharply and clearly divided along the East-West mental line. In Eastern countries, especially in Egypt, India and China, the monkey symbolizes wisdom, courage, dexterity and selflessness. It’s a different matter in the West, where our heroine has become the main character of caustic fables and an ugly caricature of a person. For Europeans, the monkey personifies such vicious human qualities, as stupidity, vanity, imbalance, greed, laziness and lust, and in relation to a woman - also cutesy coquetry, annoying curiosity, frivolity and talkativeness.

The reason for such a negative attitude of Europeans towards the monkey, a fidgety and shrill creature from a distant and alien world, is not difficult to understand. The funny antics and antics of a monkey imitating a man are often perceived as an evil parody of himself. However, the monkey’s actions lack meaningfulness, and all its attempts to compare with humans are completely in vain; this is “monkey work” ridiculed in fables.

In Indian and Chinese mythology, divine monkeys often play the role of smart and dexterous heroes. Greatest glory acquired by the Indian monkey god Hanuman - a brave warrior and faithful companion of the god - hero Rama. Hanuman is endowed with miraculous abilities: he flies through the air, changes his appearance and size, and his strength is such that it allows him to tear mountains out of the ground. While still a foolish baby, Hanuman tried to swallow the sun, mistaking it for a delicious fruit, but the thunder god Indra, protecting celestial body, threw his Perun at him and broke the monkey god’s jaw. Since then he was nicknamed Hanuman, i.e. "having a broken jaw."

Indians are very proud of their mythological hero, and representatives of the Jaitvas tribe, living in the state of Rajasthan, in the north-west of India, even claimed that they descended precisely from Hanumana, since their princes retained a longer spine than all other people, similar to monkey tail.

Oddly enough, but in many myths different nations it is claimed that monkeys descended from... people. This was the opinion of both the Indians of Central America, who expressed the idea that monkeys were once a human tribe, and the inhabitants of Southeast Africa, who called them the “first people.” As for the reasons for the transformation of some people into monkeys, opinions differ.
Some Indian myths tell of a tribe of bloodthirsty cannibals, defeated by people and pushed back by them into dense forests. There the cannibals went completely wild and eventually turned into monkeys. These myths are echoed by the legends of the African tribes Bambuti and Efe, which say that chimpanzees are ancient tribe people expelled to dense forests other tribes for their evil and quarrelsome disposition.

IN ancient greek mythology there is a mention of a tribe of Cercopes who inhabited the island of Pitecus (lit., “monkey island”) and were turned into monkeys by Zeus for their constant vile lies.
The South African Zulus saw the reason for the degradation of people in their monstrous laziness. According to Zulu myth, people African tribe Amafen, completely lazy, stopped cultivating the land. Having decided to feed themselves from the labor of other people, they tied the handles of hoes that had become useless to them to their backs. Over time, these arms grew to the body of the amathenes and turned into tails, their whole body was covered with hair, their foreheads drooped, and the amathenes turned into baboons.

According to the testimony of many Christian missionaries who preached to blacks, their charges were absolutely sure that monkeys could speak, but they wisely kept quiet so that they would not be forced to work.

So, if we take all of the above at face value, then, contrary to the generally accepted theory of evolution, it turns out that man did not descend from a monkey, but just the opposite! Of course, a myth is not yet a scientific fact, but, as you know, under the bizarre layers of human imagination there is always some rational grain hidden, you just need to be able to extract it without damaging it. In addition, numerous experiments conducted by scientists on great apes convincingly prove that no amount of training and education can help a monkey become a human. On the other hand, a person separated from civilized society for a long time easily falls into a savage state, unless he has great willpower and amazing hard work. There are a great many examples in history of how a person, isolated from the benefits of civilization, descended to the level of an animal. This is already scientific facts! I wonder what Charles Darwin would have said to all this?

In the religions of many peoples of the East, the monkey was revered as a sacred animal. In Egypt, the baboon was seen as a symbol of wisdom, in China, the female gibbon personified maternal care, and in Japan, the toy monkey is still considered a children's amulet. However, the real freedom for monkeys is in India. There are still temples dedicated to them there, where monkeys live carefree on full government support. Despite the fact that rhesus macaques, literally infesting the states of India, cause serious damage agriculture countries, they break into houses, steal and damage things, and sometimes even kidnap children, they nevertheless enjoy complete immunity, they cannot even be driven away. Quite recently in India there was a very funny case: some malicious macaque managed to steal from the guarded office of a certain high rank folder with secret documents. I wonder if the divine monkey will be charged with espionage? Or maybe she will be offered to cooperate with the intelligence services?

In Tibetan Buddhism, our heroine has an even higher honor. There, the sacred monkey gave birth to six ancestors of the Tibetan people, after which it took and incarnated into the bodhisattva (saint) Avalokiteshvara, who, in turn, each time incarnates into the next Dalai Lama - spiritual father Tibetans. Such a Tibetan “matryoshka” is beyond our understanding, but the East is a delicate matter.
In Christianity, the monkey is not allowed such liberties, since the church has branded it as the personification of vicious passions, as a symbol of idolatry and devilish heresies.

IN fine arts Since the Middle Ages, the monkey has become an allegory of art itself, since artists supposedly only imitate what has already been created by nature. Depicting the artist as a monkey writing female portrait, self-critical Flemish painters philosophically uttered: “Art is the monkey of nature!” As for the monkey as such, it mainly “shone” in the cartoon genre. In Christian painting, a monkey with an apple in its teeth personified the fall of Adam and Eve.