Monkeying Around
Did you know? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire or earth. It just so happens that 2016 is the Year of the Fire Monkey! The monkey is the 9th of 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Every 12 years there is a Monkey Year. Interestingly, Monkey Years are all multiples of 12 -- from 12 AD through 1200 AD to now in 2016. People often offer sacrifices to monkeys to pray for rain and even for sons, and they have become an interesting part of Chinese culture.Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Those born in a Fire Monkey Year are said to be ambitious and adventurous - but also irritable (yikes!). We're pretty sure there are ways to keep them happy, however. People born in a year of the Monkey are also said to be witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. Personality traits such as mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness, make them very naughty. Monkeys are masters of practical jokes, because they like playing most of the time.
Monkeys have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, some don't trust their sly, restless, and inquisitive nature. Monkeys like to take challenges and they prefer urban life to rural. Not everyone puts stock in astrology, but it can be a lot of fun learning about the particulars. For instance, these items are considered lucky for those born in a Monkey year:
- Lucky numbers: 4 and 9
- Lucky days: the 14th and 28th of any Chinese lunar calendar month
- Lucky colors: white, blue, gold
- Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, crape-myrtle
- Lucky directions: north, northwest, west
- Lucky months: Chinese lunar months 8 and 12
While these things are considered unlucky:
- Unlucky colors: red, pink
- Unlucky numbers: 2 and 7
- Unlucky directions: south, southeast
- Unlucky months: Chinese lunar months 7 and 11
Whatever Chinese zodiac you happen to have been born under, it can't hurt to entertain some of these interesting ideas...ancient Chinese secrets and all!