What does signifying monkey mean?
Definitions for signifying monkey
sig·ni·fy·ing mon·key
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word signifying monkey.
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Wikipedia
Signifying monkey
The signifying monkey is a character of African-American folklore that derives from the trickster figure of Yoruba mythology, Esu Elegbara. This character was transported with Africans to the Americas under the names of Exu, Echu-Elegua, Papa Legba, and Papa Le Bas. Esu and his variants all serve as messengers who mediated between the gods and men by means of tricks. The signifying monkey is "distinctly Afro-American" but is thought to derive from Yoruban mythology, which depicts Echu-Elegua with a monkey at his side.Numerous songs and narratives concern the signifying monkey and his interactions with his friends, the Lion and the Elephant. In general, the stories depict the signifying monkey insulting the Lion, but claiming that he is only repeating the Elephant's words. The Lion then confronts the Elephant, who physically assaults the Lion. The Lion later realizes that the Monkey has been signifyin' and has duped him and returns angrily to castrate the monkey, rendering him unable to reproduce.
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of signifying monkey in Chaldean Numerology is: 1
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of signifying monkey in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4
Translations for signifying monkey
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"signifying monkey." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/signifying+monkey>.
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