Year of the Monkey promises auspicious and dynamic times

The a new lunar year starts today and people can expect especially dynamic times during this auspicious year, according to Chinese superstition.

The Chinese zodiac comes from the tale of a race among animals, with the twelve animals arriving first earning a spot on the calendar. This year honours the ninth arrival, the monkey.

Here are a few fun facts and tips to help you navigate what, some say, promises to be an exciting year.

Be 'intelligent and crafty'

Keeping your wits about you will help keep the pocketbook happy this year, says Vincent Wong with the Dr. Sun Yat Sun Chinese Classical Garden.

"The Year of the Monkey signifies the need to be intelligent and crafty because monkeys are wily. They're mischievous," he said.

"So to have financial gains, you have to have a little bit of that yourself."

Famous monkeys

Those born in the Year of the Monkey are very witty and quick on their toes, but they can also be vain and arrogant, said Wong.

Celebrities born in the Year of the Monkey include Kim Catrall, Daniel Craig, Miley Cyrus, and Julius Caesar.

Monkey King

One of the most famous fictitious monkeys is the Monkey King, a character from a 16th century novel. In the story, the Monkey King gains mystical powers and rebels against heaven. Then he was tasked with shepherding a monk who went to India in search of wisdom.

The story shows monkeys can be both "tricksters" and "protectors," said Wong.

Year of the fire monkey

Each Zodiac year is also given an element, such as wood, water, air, or fire.

This year is a 'fire' year.

"The Fire Monkey is a particularly auspicious year. There's going to be a lot of dynamism and evolution this year," said Wong.

To listen to the full audio, click the link labelled: What you should know about the Year of the Monkey.