Monkey Tattoo

What would a monkey tattoo design convey to other people? That you are mischievous? Inquisitive? A show-off? Impatient? Filthy? All of these are traits commonly associated with this long-tailed mammal, because all are characteristics of – yes, we have to say it – “monkey business.”

Actually, the monkey is quite revered in many cultures, despite its somewhat impish personality. It is sacred to some West African tribes as an ancestor figure. In India, legend has it that the god Rama (Vishnu) had a bride kidnapped by a demon, who was later found by the monkey Hanuman. As a reward, the monkey was made a god and grew large as a mountain. Thus, monkeys are held in high regard in Hinduism.

The monkey-king HOH is a beloved character in China, where he is the 9th of the zodiac signs (September), and is honored with a year in his name every 12 years (the last one in 2004). Like his earthly counterpart, HOH was playful, funny, and a mimic – and so aggravated the immortals, forcing them to imprison him in a mountain.

Continuing with the theme that monkeys embody both positive and negative characteristics, dream-readers say that seeing a monkey in your dreams is a warning that you are surrounded by lies and deceit. To feed a monkey in your dream is a forewarning of a friend’s betrayal. Notice the duality here – it is a good warning of a bad thing.

Similar stories are told of the monkey’s primate mates, such as chimps and apes. In Christian art, apes were often a sign of the devil, and represented such characteristics as malice, cunning, lust, and greed. The ape, however, was often in chains – as a sign of sin conquered by virtue.

So what does this tell us of the monkey tattoo? Like the famous Japanese myth of the three Mystic Monkeys who cover their eyes, ears, and mouth, respectively (“See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”), the monkey tattoo will border on the brink between silliness and sinfulness. Some will interpret it as lighthearted, while others will think you’ve gone bananas (sorry, another pun we couldn’t resist). Kidding aside, because the monkey is a metaphor for the best and worst of what we are as humans, be prepared to explain it to others.

For more information on Monkey and Animal tattoos, see the resources listed on our Reference Page.

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