What is the origin of the three wise monkeys

Q. Seems rather an obscure spot for a famous expression

A. The monkeys and their motto became a popular ornament, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian times. The figures often appeared on mantelpieces and sometimes embroidered into chairs.

Q. What's the origin of the story

A. It's likely that their story started in China and a Buddhist monk of the Tendai sect introduced them into Japan, probably in the Eighth Century. The monkeys were at first always associated with the blue-faced deity Vadjra, a fearsome god with three eyes and numerous hands. Part of the Vadjra cult's teaching was that if they do not hear, see or talk evil, they would be spared all evil.

Q. So that's why they were covering their ears, eyes and mouths

A. Precisely. These gestures were a pictorial way of conveying the god's command - and shows how a dramatic picture is more impressive and lasting than a spoken message.

Q. And do they have names

A. Yes - the Japanese versions are called: Mizaru (see no evil); Kikazaru (hear no evil); and Iwazaru (speak no evil). These are Japanese puns.

Q. And you don't hear many of those in common parlance

A. Indeed not. The word for monkey (saru or zaru) sounds the same as the verb-ending zaru, so to represent the phrase with the three monkeys means: 'See nothing, hear nothing, say nothing.'

Q. Hush now! My sides are splitting!

A. Rumour has it that there was another monkey called Do No Evil. He had his hands on his ... er ... lap.

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By Steve Cunningham