  | SERENDIPITOUS MONKEY BUSINESS Appearing as a symbol in many cultures around the world, the monkey has been adopted into religion, folklore, myth and astrology. Known to be loyal, witty, intelligent and playful, a monkey can mean fun, activity, charm and an energetic nature. The Mayans in Mexico glorified the monkey as a patron of the arts—a revered icon representing knowledge and prophecy. The ancient Aztecs associated the monkey with the sun. In Hindu, the monkey god is heroic and dedicated to justice, while in Japan the monkey is the messenger of the gods and seen as a symbol of a harmonious marriage, safe childbirth, fertility and a protector against disease and demons. As one of the signs of the Chinese zodiac, the monkey represents a person who has many friends, is super-quick and multi-talented and opportunistic. A monkey is a sign of natural curiosity, but can also show self-indulgence and rebellion. |
We use the term “monkey shines” to describe pranks and other playful debauchery. We think of “monkey business” as mischief, misbehavior, mischievousness, devilry, devilment and tomfoolery.
Lately there have been some monkey shines popping up serendipitously in my life. The first appears as three wee monkeys ringing around the lidded bowl given to me as a gift by my artist-musician beau. Each of the three seated characters sports sticking out Dumbo ears, a burgundy vest and matching tasseled fez, highlighted with gold. The large container, carved and painted to look like a woven basket, is decorated with lush leaves, gilded in gold like the beaded band encircling the container’s circumference.
The three monkeys on my bowl are quite petite. Looking like yogis, they appear in a relaxed state of collective contemplation. As though preparing for their breathing asanas, they all strike the same posture-perfect, seated pose—pads of feet pressed together, palms resting on bent knees, eyes wide open and gazing forward.
Perhaps my contemplative, yogi monkeys are visioning and knowing that I will soon meet their contemporary when my beau and I bike on the bimmer to Jasper’s famous Judy’s Truck Stop for fried chicken livers, vegetables sides and a piece of pie. (Peach is our favorite).
Satisfied and ready to head home, on the glass checkout counter by the cash register, whom should we encounter but a singular large yogi monkey, dressed and gazing out the same as my three wee ones. He’s proffering a large bowl of after dinner minutes. The motifs on his carved bowl are the same as those on mine—gilded leaves and beaded band around the circumference. His posture is upright and somewhat majestic. We marvel at the serendipity knowing his wee counterparts are waiting for our return.
Lately there have been some monkey shines popping up serendipitously in my life. The first appears as three wee monkeys ringing around the lidded bowl given to me as a gift by my artist-musician beau. Each of the three seated characters sports sticking out Dumbo ears, a burgundy vest and matching tasseled fez, highlighted with gold. The large container, carved and painted to look like a woven basket, is decorated with lush leaves, gilded in gold like the beaded band encircling the container’s circumference.
The three monkeys on my bowl are quite petite. Looking like yogis, they appear in a relaxed state of collective contemplation. As though preparing for their breathing asanas, they all strike the same posture-perfect, seated pose—pads of feet pressed together, palms resting on bent knees, eyes wide open and gazing forward.
Perhaps my contemplative, yogi monkeys are visioning and knowing that I will soon meet their contemporary when my beau and I bike on the bimmer to Jasper’s famous Judy’s Truck Stop for fried chicken livers, vegetables sides and a piece of pie. (Peach is our favorite).
Satisfied and ready to head home, on the glass checkout counter by the cash register, whom should we encounter but a singular large yogi monkey, dressed and gazing out the same as my three wee ones. He’s proffering a large bowl of after dinner minutes. The motifs on his carved bowl are the same as those on mine—gilded leaves and beaded band around the circumference. His posture is upright and somewhat majestic. We marvel at the serendipity knowing his wee counterparts are waiting for our return.
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