Monday, February 8, is the start of the Lunar New Year and, for Asian Americans of Chinese descent, a very big deal.
It’s also the Year of the Monkey, and it only happens once every 12 years.
Ninth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, the Monkey is actually a much more exalted sign than you’d think. Dragon is often considered at the top, but each sign represented by an animal like a dog, rat or snake has worthy qualities.
Next time, when you’re waiting for your Chinese food, read the place mat.
The monkey, you will note, is considered to be clever and smart and seen as a symbol with an elevated, dignified status, practically royal. Many see the monkey as an auspicious symbol of great success in the year to come.
Sound like a slur to you? Not to me either.
Enter Sacramento Kings star basketball player DeMarcus Cousins.
