Characteristics of People Born in the Chinese Year of the Monkey

• 6 February 1932 - 25 January 1933 Water Monkey
• 25 January 1944 - 12 February 1945 Wood Monkey
• 12 February 1956 - 30 January 1957 Fire Monkey
• 30 January 1968 - 16 February 1969 Earth Monkey
• 16 February 1980 - 4 February 1981 Metal Monkey
• 4 February 1992 - 22 January 1993 Water Monkey
• 22 January 2004 - 8 February 2005 Wood Monkey
• 8 February 2016 - 27 January 2017 Fire Monkey
• 26 January 2028 - 12 February 2029 Earth Monkey

If you know somebody who loves playing jokes on you, maybe they were born in the year of the Monkey.

Ninth out of the twelve animal signs of Chinese astrology, the Sign of the Monkey (猴) is associated with the character traits of curiosity, mischievousness, and cleverness. Playful creatures, Monkeys absolutely love practical jokes. Sometimes this role as prankster can backfire though and they can end up hurting the feelings of others.

Although naturally intellectual and creative, Monkeys sometimes keep these qualities concealed and, instead, give the impression of being confused. That is very rarely the case though. Monkeys are smart creatures.

Monkeys loves learning and gaining new experiences. Their natural curiosity often shows itself in the variety of interests they have. Highly impulsive people, Monkeys really hate routine.

Monkeys can be charming and witty, which gives them an enormous amount of confidence. On the negative side, as one of the most self-interested signs, Monkeys may also have difficulty understanding others and can sometimes lack empathy.

As hard-working, competitive and determined people, Monkeys really want to get on and succeed in their careers.

With quick minds and a keen desire to gain material wealth, Monkeys often end up in competitive fields such as communications, business, sales, or law. As natural performers, they can also be drawn towards professions such as acting, writing, or advertising.

Other career possibilities include finance, banking, teaching or science. Whatever career they opt for though, Monkeys ability to learn on their feet usually helps them to achieve success.

• The Metal Monkey - independent, ambitious, intelligent
• The Water Monkey - clever, creative, innovative
• The Wood Monkey - ambitious, perceptive, practical
• The Fire Monkey - active, impulsive, competitive
• The Earth Monkey - honest, dependable, stable

Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Celine Dion, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Douglas, Owen Wilson, Daniel Craig, Mick Jagger, Julius Caesar, Harry Truman, Bette Davis, Miley Cyrus

Talkative, extroverted and highly social creatures, Monkeys love conversation and getting to know people. They often have many friends and admirers, from a wide range of backgrounds.

When it comes to relationships, they are not always quick to settle down. They prefer to live a life of adventure for as long as possible. When they do eventually find a partner, they are likely to choose someone who shares that taste for adventure. And when they do find a partner, they will commit to them and be loyal for the long term.

When they do settle down, thrill-loving Monkeys tend to favour the excitement of city life rather than the quiet of the countryside. The home environment for Monkeys is not so important as the company of family and friends. Being such keen-talkers, communication is never usually a problem for Monkeys.

Monkeys are a good match for Rats and Dragons. Monkeys and Rats share a need for adventure. Monkeys and Dragons respect each other. Tigers are not a good match for Monkeys. Both can be competitive and stubborn. It can be difficult for Monkeys and Tigers to agree on things.