Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    What is the origin of the legend of the three wise monkeys 'Hear-No-Evil, See-No-Evil and Speak-No-Evil'?

    Question #42970. Asked by gmackematix. (Jan 03 04 6:06 AM)


    sequoianoir

    		The monkeys appear in a wooden carving at the seventeenth century Toshogu shrine in Nikko, Japan. The shrine is the mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the three monkeys were the guardians of the stables.

    In Japanese, the phrase "see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing" is mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru. The word for monkey (saru or zaru) sounds the same as the verb-ending zaru, so to represent the phrase with the three monkeys in the appropriate poses is a play on words.

    http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/mfacts/webfacts/1A8C38533E8DFE6B8025671900467AA5

    Jan 03 04, 7:41 AM
    threemonkeys

    		The three monkeys originate from Japan. You will probably find all answers you may need in:
    http://www.three-monkeys.info

    Aug 06 07, 1:30 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    How did the three wise monkeys forfend iniquity?

    How many monkeys are in a "Barrel Full of Monkeys"?

    What is the origin of the legend told to children that babies are delivered by the stork?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 "Origin"
    This is a quiz on the very beginnings of Wolverine, as told in the miniseries "Origin" #1-6.
    		X-Men Tough
    15 Q
    luna7180
    Mar 27 03
    1269 plays
    2 Origin
    Here is a quiz based on the European release of the album in 2003. Good luck!
    		Evanescence Average
    20 Q
    catwoman2004
    Apr 29 05
    390 plays
    3 Legend
    "Legend", starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara is one of the most underrated movies ever. Here we see what you know.
    		Legend Average
    10 Q
    roardogg
    Dec 07 02
    1443 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.