Chan's Chinese Column

2016 is the Year of the Fire or Red Monkey, starting from February 8 (first day of the Lunar New Year), and ending on January 27, 2017 (Lunar New Year’s Eve).

Monkeys are generally cheerful, energetic, strong-minded, mischievous, curious and hyperactive, but can be clever, witty, intelligent, and have magnetic personalities. On the negative side, they can be egotistical, arrogant, crafty, restless and snobbish. Monkeys are also fast learners and crafty opportunists. They work very hard and can adapt to different working environments. They get along well with the rabbit and ox.

Each of the 12 zodiac animals cycle through the five elements to complete a 60 year cycle, so depending on the year you are born in, your personality is also defined not only by your zodiac sign, but also your five element sign.

The Chinese character for monkey or macaque, "猴" (hóu) is a common name for simians and sounds the same as "侯" (hóu)  for men or high positions such as high officials, marquis and lords. So in the Chinese culture they are closely connected, as the monkey was considered an auspicious symbol for high social status, such as government officials or royalty.

In fact, the "猴" character combines the dog/quadruped radical number 94,  “犭” (quǎn)  for simians, and the phonetic element “侯” (hóu) meaning high official, marquis, lord.