MEANING OF THE THREE MONKEYS
The three monkeys are known in the world under different names: ´´ three wise monkeys ´´, ´´ three mystical monkeys ´´, etc.

The first idea that comes to a western person is that it refers to a symbol of passivity between the individual and those around him.

This can be interpreted as lack of commitment or indifference. This can be compared as behaviour of people who are conformist, silent, passive.

If we don’t speak , we don’t see and we don’t listen , we’ll push away evil from us. 

 

From a totally different perspective, deeper and more meaningful is Confuciou’s (Chinese philosopher) point of view ´´ Don’t think in an evil way ´´, not hearing not seeing not speaking is to become aware of responsibility and prudence. The person that analyses and thinks what he listens and sees will be cautious when talking.​

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HISTORICAL REFERENCES

The origin of the three monkeys up to the present is not very clear. In eastern cultures, monkeys have been considered sacred for ages: Hanuman  in India, Macaco Rhesus  in China and the White Macaco  in Japan.

At the beginning one or two monkeys were represented in stone monuments, in rolls of paper and carved in wood, later on the three monkeys would appear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The three monkeys together appeared approximately 400-500 years ago.

It is supposed that the three monkeys get to Japan from China. This unique symbol of ´´ not listening, not seeing and not speaking ´´ has become part of a popular japanese religion called KOSHIN, apparently its roots come from China or India. During the festivities of KOSHIN religion it was common to engrave the three monkeys as a symbol of protection.

The oldest evidence of the three monkeys engraved in wood is in Japan in park TOSHOGU inside a small village called NIKKO.

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MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE THREE MONKEYS

In India Gandhi used the three monkeys to teach the hindu people

to be tolerant in their peaceful struggle. In India the three Gandhi’s

monkeys are known by all social levels.