The Monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in a Monkey year are known for being clever, curious, and playful. In Chinese culture the Monkey carries its own symbolism, and a Monkey zodiac guardian gift is a meaningful way to mark a birth year, milestone, or the lunar new year.
Monkey Personality Traits
People born in the Year of the Monkey are often described as:
- Clever — they learn fast and think on their feet.
- Curious — always exploring and experimenting.
- Playful — they bring humor to any room.
- Versatile — they adapt to almost anything.
Monkey Lucky Elements
| Lucky Color | White, Gold, Blue |
|---|---|
| Lucky Number | 4, 9 |
| Lucky Direction | West, Northwest |
| Lucky Flower | Chrysanthemum, Crape Myrtle |
These are the traditional “lucky things” tied to the Monkey in folk culture — a gentle guide for gifting and personal style, not a promise of outcomes.
The Monkey’s Zodiac Guardian (Benming Buddha)
In the Tibetan-Chinese tradition of Benming Fo (本命佛, “birth-year Buddha”), each zodiac sign is guarded by a bodhisattva. The guardian for the Monkey is Vairocana (大日如来). Many wearers choose a pendant or bracelet that pairs their animal with this guardian figure as a personal talisman.
Monkey Years
- 1956 · 1968 · 1980 · 1992 · 2004 · 2016 · 2028 · 2040
Zodiac Guardian Gifts for the Monkey
- Jade Monkey Pendant — carved natural jade, the classic Monkey-year guardian gift.
- Monkey Red String Bracelet — the “benming nian” (本命年) red cord tradition.
- Silver Monkey Necklace — a clean, modern take on the zodiac animal.
- Black Obsidian Monkey Bracelet — grounded stone for everyday wear.
Browse the full Monkey collection →
Monkey Compatibility
Traditionally, the Monkey is most compatible with the Snake and the Rat and Dragon, and considered to clash with the Tiger. Try our interactive Zodiac Compatibility calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Year of the Monkey mean?
The Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac, associated with clever, curious, and playful.
What is the Monkey’s guardian Buddha?
The traditional birth-year guardian for the Monkey is Vairocana (大日如来).
What are the Monkey’s lucky colors?
White, Gold, Blue are the traditional lucky colors associated with the Monkey sign.
When is the next Monkey year?
The next Monkey year is 2028.
What gift suits someone born in a Monkey year?
A monkey pendant, red-string bracelet, or silver monkey necklace works well — a popular choice for milestone birthdays and the lunar new year.