Monkey (Saru)

Meaning: Mischievous, Prankster, Arrogance, Competitive, Humor

Saru are usually depicted as a mask. The origin of the design coming from, as many Japanese tattoo design do, the Noh theater. The monkey masks were used during inter-missions to break up the tedious nature of theater performances with some light hearted comedy. These inter-mission performances were called kyogen, they are now referred to as Nohgaku.

Universally, monkeys are considered mischievous, at times arrogant and eager for attention. They have the tools to achieve their goals but are often easily distracted. The Buddha equated humans having these traits to a monkey swinging from vine to vine.

These tattoos are not to be taken too seriously. In fact, Saru tattoos should be looked at like being able to laugh at yourself and realize that we are not perfect beings.