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The meaning of the monkey tattoo

The meaning of the monkey tattoo in the Middle Ages could be viewed by theologians and scientists as an ominous parody of man. This harmless and funny animal symbolized all the worst that can be in people.

Most often they were accused of laziness, insidiousness, meanness, the desire to serve Mamon, and anger. Some zealots even went so far as to directly accuse the unfortunate creature of complicity with the devil, curse and excommunicate.

With the onset of the Gothic era, two images of a monkey were popularized: an animal holding an apple in its mouth served as a formidable reminder of the fall of the first ancestors. The gorilla, chained, symbolized the victory over the sinful entity.

In the East, the attitude towards the monkey was positive. In ancient texts of Indian legends, Hanuman appears, a devoted servant of Rama and the wisest diplomat of the monkey tribe.

The monkey was considered wise in Egypt. The Chinese also saw positive aspects in this dexterous and agile beast. They associated the monkey with wit, the right attitude to moneybut also with narcissism, deceit and fickleness.

In Japan in the seventeenth century, the image of the Three Wise Monkeys, which symbolized the non-fulfillment of evil, gained immense popularity.

What does a monkey tattoo mean?

The controversial image of the monkey is not as popular as other symbols, but this animal has fans. What exactly this beast will symbolize depends on the tradition in which the picture is made.

A drawing depicting a monkey, executed in the Euro-style, can mean greed and the desire to “take everything from life”. The meaning of the monkey tattoo depicted on the body in the oriental technique, on the contrary, symbolizes caution, dexterity, diligence.

How and where is it applied?

In modern culture, a monkey tattoo is often depicted in a caricatured form: in this way all the vices of the human race are exposed and ridiculed. Despite the existing controversy, a monkey tattoo is often chosen by sociable, open and active people.

The less "European" in the monkey, and the more "oriental" or caricatured features, the more likely that the tattoo will have a positive effect on the interaction of people.

To a greater extent, a tattoo with a monkey is chosen by representatives of the stronger sex. Drawing is applied on the back, ankle, forearm and shoulder... It is carried out both in color (cheerful warm shades) and in monochromatic shades.

Photo of monkey tattoo on body

Photo of monkey tattoo on hand

Photo of monkey tattoo on leg