World and Lore / Historical mystery

Hanging Monkeys

Kukuri-zaru, or hanging monkeys, are colorful charms that are said to resemble monkeys with their arms and legs bound above their heads. When making a wish on a hanging monkey, you must renounce a desire of equal import. Only then will the wish you made be granted. Naturally, the greater the wish, the greater the desire you must renounce in return, which is why it is recommended that those who wish upon a hanging monkey think long and hard about their capacity for self-control.