A monkey is a primate closely related to an apes like chimpanzees and orangutans. They range from 5 oz to 77lbs in weight. Some living trees while other live on the savannah. Their diets differ from species to species but mostly contains fruits, leaves, nuts and small animals and insects. The many species of monkey have varied relationships with humans. Some are kept as pets, others used as model organisms in laboratories or in space missions. They may be killed in monkey drives when they threatened agriculture, or serve as service animals for the disabled.
In religion and culture, the monkey often represents quick-wittedness and mischief. Monkey brains are eaten as a delicacy in South Asia, China and Africa. In traditional Islamic dietary laws, monkeys are forbidden to be eaten. However, monkeys are sometimes eaten in parts of Africa, where they can be sold as ''bushmeat''. Hanuman, a prominent divine entity in Hinduism, is a monkey-like humanoid. He may bestow longevity. The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped nature. They placed emphasis on animals and often depicted monkeys in their art.
In the Chinese zodiac, the Monkey is super-quick and multi-talented, but has a tendency to be an opportunist. The over confident monkey could end up losing face. Monkey legends tell of its rise to godly status and of its misadventures down on earth. From his position of power, monkey often wreaks havoc, which calls down the wrath of the gods. Once put in his place, though, the monkey learns from his mistakes, resulting in his wisdom.
Mayans in Mexico and Guatemala glorified the monkey as a patron of the arts, and took him as a symbol of knowledge and prophecy. The ancient Aztecs associated monkey with the sun.
In ancient Japan, the monkey was the messenger of the gods. Monkey was the symbol of a harmonious marriage, fertility and safe childbirth, as well as protector against disease and demons. It was believed to be the Japanese monkey who made famous: ''Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil.'' A famous legend tells of the monkey who accompanied a monk on his historic journey from India to China carrying the holy Buddhist teachings. In Buddhism, the monkey is an early incarnation of Buddha but may also represent trickery and ugliness. Buddha chose the monkey as the best companion a monk could have -- being smart, courageous, and able to protect the monk from demons and evil spirits long the way. It is also one of the Three Senseless Creatures, symbolizing greed, with the tiger representing anger and the deer lovesickness. The ''Mizaru'' or three wise monkeys are revered in Japanese folklore.
As a tattoo motif, you'll see it leaping over various parts of the anatomy, sometimes as a Chinese kanji. Monkey tattoos represent agility, fun and frivolity. If the tattoo incorporates the three wise monkeys, it symbolizes peace, wisdom and protection.
