In Chinese mythology, there is a popular figure that has been deeply entrenched in Chinese people's hearts from generation to generation. Sun Wukong, renowned as the Monkey King, is considered as one of the most famous Chinese superheros. However, have you thought about why such a superhero is portrayed as a monkey?
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is a famous Chinese superhero.
In fact, the monkey has deep cultural significance in China. It is the ninth animal among the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, which represent 12 branches of the Earth in Chinese culture. Based on the belief of animism, ancient Chinese considered monkeys to be vivacious and smart. Hence, monkeys in Chinese literary and artistic works are portrayed as cunning, active and full of wisdom.
A Chinese paper cut of a monkey.
Besides their extraordinary intelligence, there are a lot of fun facts about monkeys.
Being a big fan of bananas is not a good thing
Monkeys are known as avid banana lovers. However, eating too many bananas is not a good thing – they can lead to obesity. If a monkey eats too many bananas, it might not be able to climb trees again.
"I don't want to be obese, but I just love bananas, sigh."
Monkeys develop 'social phobia' as they age
You might think monkeys all live in clans. However, as they age, monkeys will spend less time in social settings. Instead, they prefer to remain alone in trees as they become older.
"Leave me alone. An old man needs private time to think about his life."
In the 12 Earthly Branches, the monkey is associated with shēn (申), and the hours 3 to 5 in the afternoon. Ancient Chinese believed that during this time, people are in their best spirits, therefore the time period is symbolized by active monkeys.
People born in the Year of the Monkey usually have characteristics like ambitiousness and versatility.
It is also believed that people born in the Year of the Monkey usually have characteristics like ambitiousness and versatility. Celebrities born in this year include the famous Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and one of the greatest English poets, George Gordon Byron (1788-1824).
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year related to an animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
But how much do you know about these animals and their symbolic meaning in the Chinese zodiac? Follow the series to find out.
For more:
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Ox
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Snake
The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac: Goat
(Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Yueyun)
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