Surrounded as I am these days by an unusually large collection of monkeys made from paper, ceramics and socks, it only seems right to find out what this “Year of the Monkey” will bring. In China the year begins on February 8, so we have a few weeks to prepare.
(BTW, you’re a monkey if you were born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004.)
A friend said that monkeys signify chaos, things running amok. If that’s true, it certainly fits with the times, but I would like to hear something more hopeful.
The website China Highlights says, “Everything points to disaster for Monkeys in this Monkey Year.” Travel China Guide agrees: ” Their overall fortune won’t be smooth in the whole year.” I am relieved not to be a monkey.
Brown Monkey with red lips and butt protecting us from Red Monkey
But I do want to know what will happen to the rest of us, the roosters, dogs, oxen, tigers, rabbits, sheep, dragons, snakes, rats, horses, goats and pigs. I can’t find anything about 2016 in general. All reports relate to the experience of each animal when interacting with a monkey. So I look up dogs, because my husband and I were born in the Year of the Dog. Telling people you’re a dog is not nearly as exciting or romantic as saying you’re a tiger or dragon, but easier to admit to than being a rat or snake.
The Chinese Fortune Calendar says this is the year of the “Red Monkey.” My husband and I “won” a red monkey at a holiday gag gift party. I was about to donate
it to a thrift store. Now I’m not sure.
What I learn about the relationship between dogs and monkeys in 2016 is not inspiring. We canines are straightforward, loyal and brave and have a strong sense of responsibility. Apparently the “monkey is a smart, wily, irritating and impatient animal… It’s used to take impromptu and immature actions. Dog can provide protection, education and training for Monkey.” Great. Can’t wait till Feb. 8.
There is a bit of good news in this scenario. Dogs contain earth and monkeys contain metal and water (don’t ask me what that means) and “Water in the Monkey stands for money to Dog.” Hmm.
Still Life 
Good news. A friend just sent me a link to one website that says in Japan red underwear will bring us good luck in the year of the monkey. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/74004671/In-Japan-red-underwear-brings-good-luck-in-Year-of-the-Monkey.
Another site says we should wear red underwear for good health this year. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/74004671/In-Japan-red-underwear-brings-good-luck-in-Year-of-the-Monkey
Hmmm… does that mean you’ll win a lottery? You’ll receive a large inheritance? Best of luck anyhow! But red underwear? Really?
In the category of “you learn something new every day,” I did not know I was a monkey until yesterday. I am sad to learn that I am impatient, but not so sad to learn that I am wily. Having identified heretofore as an Aries, the Ram, whose qualities* seem more in tune with myself, I think I’ll stick with the Greeks and Romans, thank you!
*headstrong, an initiator, lively, determined.