The wise monkey in China

Monkeys, particularly macaques and gibbons, have played an important role in Chinese beliefs for over 2000 years. They are often thought of as supernatural beings who can speak, transform and are endowed with an extraordinary longevity that allows them to know the past. In Chinese astrology, the monkey is considered a smart, dignified, optimistic, romantic, confident and sociable animal. On the contrary, his faults are selfishness and pride, as well as a manipulative spirit.

But China’s most famous monkey symbol remains the figure of the three wise monkeys, each of which hides part of its face: the first the eyes, the second the mouth, and the last the ears. according to the saying, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” will be the key to a happy life.

Hanuman the monkey god

An important figure in Hinduism, Hanumān is the son of Pavana, the god of wind, and the goddess Anjana. Monkey god, protector of wrestlers and god of wisdom, he looks like a gray langur. Blessed with superhuman strength – he is able to lift mountains – he is also very fast, able to rival Garuda, Vishnu’s bird vehicle. A consummate grammarian, he devoted absolute allegiance to his spiritual teacher Rama and spent his entire life serving him. He is the perfect student, who refuses to be rewarded by his master for his good deeds. This nobility of soul is described in Hindu proverbs “The monkey cries for others, never for himself”.

Marked by the story of Hanumān, today’s Hindus have great respect for monkeys, especially langurs, which they actively protect. After cows and snakes, they are the most sacred animal in this religion.

Smarter than a fox to Native Americans

In many Native American tribes, the monkey is a totem animal revered for its intelligence and cunning. It is able to trick other animals, including foxes, which are also very clever, according to the Aymara legend of the Kusilu monkey and the Qamaqe fox. Both lived off looting. One night, the fox found a monkey by the river eating cheese. The fox hated the monkey, who had used his cunning to trick him. He intends to kill the primate, but first really wants the cheese. The monkey gave it to him and the fox ate it all. Since he was still hungry, he asked the monkey where he stole it. The monkey shows the reflection of the moon in the river. “That’s the rest of the cheese”, he says. The fox jumped into the water and didn’t come back.

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