Chinese Zodiac-Year of the Monkey

The Year of the Monkey (猴年) is the ninth animal year in the Chinese zodiac, associated with the Earthly Branch "Shen" (申). According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Monkey occurs in the Ren Shen (壬申), Jia Shen (甲申), Bing Shen (丙申), Wu Shen (戊申), and Geng Shen (庚申) years. Recent Years of the Monkey have been 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, and 2040.

The official adoption of the Stem-Branch Calendar for recording years started during the Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉). The use of the twelve zodiac signs to represent years can be traced back to the Southern and Northern Dynasties (南北朝).

Chinese Zodiac System and Year Calculation

In Chinese tradition, the zodiac system follows a 60-year cycle based on the combination of Heavenly Stems (天干) and Earthly Branches (地支), where each cycle assigns one of the twelve animals to each year. Each year is marked by one of the twelve Earthly Branches and a corresponding animal, and the Year of the Monkey follows a twelve-year rotation.

According to astronomical experts, the Bing Shen (丙申) year, for example, was a common year, consisting of 365 days with seven full months (30 days) and five shorter months (29 days).

Origin of the Chinese Calendar System

Stem-Branch Calendar Origin

The Stem-Branch Calendar is used for calculating years, months, days, and even hours. It is a system based on the lunar calendar and traces its roots back to the Xia Dynasty (夏代), making it one of the oldest known systems in Chinese history. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the lunar calendar continued to be used, though it was commonly referred to as the "Nongli" (农历), or the Agricultural Calendar.

The Ten Heavenly Stems (甲, 乙, 丙, 丁, 戊, 己, 庚, 辛, 壬, 癸) and the Twelve Earthly Branches (子, 丑, 寅, 卯, 辰, 巳, 午, 未, 申, 酉, 戌, 亥) are fundamental components of the calendar system. These elements were first combined in the Shang Dynasty (商朝), and later recorded in the Oracle Bones (甲骨文).

Zodiac Year Calculation Method

The Year of the Monkey follows a cyclical system. The calculation method for determining the Year of the Monkey is straightforward:

• Example: To determine the Year of the Monkey, divide the Gregorian year by 12, and check if the remainder is 4. If the remainder is 4, it is a Year of the Monkey.

For instance, the year 2016:

• 2016 ÷ 12 = 168, remainder 0, so 2016 is the Year of the Monkey.

This system corresponds to the Chinese lunar year, which begins at Li Chun (立春), the first solar term of the year, typically falling around February 4th. Therefore, the Year of the Monkey officially begins after this date in the Chinese calendar.

The Legend and Significance of the Monkey

The Mythology of the Monkey

In Chinese mythology, the Monkey is often regarded as a symbol of agility, cleverness, and mischievousness. The Monkey is also a significant figure in literature, particularly in the famous "Journey to the West" (西游记), where the Monkey King (孙悟空) plays a central role.

The Monkey's personality is often associated with intelligence, wit, and a strong sense of curiosity. These traits are believed to be reflected in people born in the Year of the Monkey.

Personality Traits of the Monkey

Monkeys in the Chinese zodiac are often described as:

• Clever and resourceful

• Adaptable and quick-witted

• Curious and fun-loving

Their dynamic nature makes them successful in social interactions and work environments. However, they can sometimes be seen as overly energetic or unpredictable.

Godly Status and Symbolism

The Monkey King (孙悟空) is one of the most iconic figures in Chinese folklore, symbolizing the Monkey’s cleverness and rebellious spirit. In religious and mythological contexts, the Monkey is often portrayed as a figure with supernatural powers, able to overcome obstacles with intelligence and strength.

Prayers and Folklore Related to the Monkey

In Chinese culture, people born in the Year of the Monkey are often associated with good fortune, creativity, and a high level of intelligence. Families celebrate the Monkey year with prayers and well-wishing rituals for wisdom, prosperity, and success.

Year of the Monkey Calendar

Year of the Monkey Dates

Here are the recent and upcoming Years of the Monkey:

• 1908: Wu Shen (戊申) — February 2, 1908 to January 21, 1909

• 1920: Geng Shen (庚申) — February 20, 1920 to February 7, 1921

• 1932: Ren Shen (壬申) — February 6, 1932 to January 25, 1933

• 1944: Jia Shen (甲申) — January 25, 1944 to February 12, 1945

• 1956: Bing Shen (丙申) — February 12, 1956 to January 30, 1957

• 1968: Wu Shen (戊申) — January 30, 1968 to February 16, 1969

• 1980: Geng Shen (庚申) — February 16, 1980 to February 4, 1981

• 1992: Ren Shen (壬申) — February 4, 1992 to January 22, 1993

• 2004: Jia Shen (甲申) — January 22, 2004 to February 8, 2005

• 2016: Bing Shen (丙申) — February 8, 2016 to January 27, 2017

• 2028: Wu Shen (戊申) — January 26, 2028 to February 12, 2029

• 2040: Geng Shen (庚申) — February 12, 2040 to January 31, 2041

• 2052: Ren Shen (壬申) — February 1, 2052 to February 18, 2053

• 2064: Jia Shen (甲申) — February 17, 2064 to February 4, 2065

• 2076: Bing Shen (丙申) — February 5, 2076 to January 23, 2077

• 2088: Wu Shen (戊申) — January 24, 2088 to February 9, 2089

• 2100: Geng Shen (庚申) — February 9, 2100 to January 28, 2101

Popular Sayings and Expressions Related to the Monkey

There are numerous proverbs and expressions in Chinese culture about the Monkey, reflecting its symbolism of intelligence and cleverness. Some popular sayings include:

• “A Monkey never grows tired of playing tricks” (猴子不累玩耍)

• “A Monkey’s cleverness is in its mind, not its body” (猴子的聪明在于头脑，而不是身体)

These proverbs highlight the Monkey’s association with wit, curiosity, and versatility in Chinese culture.