猴 Monkey

Characteristics

The Monkey is traditionally pictured as clever, playful and inventive — a quick, curious problem-solver with a mischievous sense of humour and boundless energy. Folk descriptions cast it as versatile and sociable. These are cultural associations of the sign rather than claims about any particular person.

History

Ninth in the cycle and the earthly branch 申 (shēn), the Monkey owes much of its zodiac character to Sun Wukong, the Monkey King of the classic novel Journey to the West — the embodiment of wit, daring and irrepressible cleverness. The sign stands broadly for intelligence, adaptability and high spirits.

In the Great Race

The Monkey reached the river with the Goat and the Rooster and could not get across alone. The three pooled their efforts: the Rooster spotted a raft, and the Monkey and the Goat tugged and steered it over the water together. Safely across, the Monkey came in ninth — a finish remembered for resourcefulness and teamwork rather than solitary speed.

The five elements

Tradition tints the Monkey by element through the cycle: a Wood Monkey is spoken of as more co-operative, a Fire Monkey as especially energetic, an Earth Monkey as steadier and more reliable, a Metal Monkey as more determined, and a Water Monkey as more easy-going. These are cultural flavours on the same clever animal, never predictions.

Recent & upcoming years

Further reading

• Wikipedia: Monkey (zodiac)
• Wikipedia: Chinese zodiac
• Britannica: Chinese zodiac (owner to confirm)