Koi Carp has a powerful meaning. It has intrigued and inspired people for centuries. It is rich in symbolic meaning, particularly in the culture and history of Japan and China. Known universally as a symbol of strength, perseverance, love, bravery and dedication, enthusiasts collect both live carp and works of art.
Koi Carp Symbol
Koi carp has an interesting meaning. First of all, it is the Japanese word for carp. It is a type of brightly colored freshwater fish used in Asian designs. These fish come in many colors.
Koï are very present among Japanese tattoo artists because of a legend which explains how fish transform into dragons. Most of the meanings and symbolism behind fish come from this ancient legend. It is also a symbol of the Nippon holiday, Kodomo No Hi (Children’s Day) which takes place on May 5 every year. This carp is a symbol of peace and transformation.
The history of Koi fish
The Koi carp is an important symbol in Japan, but this fish arrived in China 2500 years ago. Koi were popular with rice farmers because they could be kept hibernating in the rice ponds above the rice fields and consumed as a food source.
Several centuries later, the Chinese introduced this carp to Japan. In the beginning, Koi fish were eaten as a food source. This is why the word Koi in Japanese is still used to refer to all kinds of carp, not just the brightly colored ornamental fish that we recognize as these fish today.
At the beginning of the 19th century, some Japanese farmers noted several color changes in these specimens. So they decided to start breeding more colorful Koi as pets instead of producing food. Due to the beauty of these fish, many legends surround them.
Koi carp: meaning and symbol
Many of the attributes of this fish teach lessons and help overcome trials we often encounter. The koi fish is powerful and energetic, as it can swim against the current.
The meaning of the carp
Spiritually, Koi symbolizes peace, rejuvenation and opportunity. These stunning colorful fish have several spiritual and symbolic meanings associated with them.
– Courage
Koi fish are known for their courage and fearlessness. Even in ornamental ponds, they must be wary of predatory birds and animals. And whatever the situations and difficulties, Koi face all dangers head on, tackling obstacles and difficulties with a courageous spirit.
– The symbol of masculinity
The Koi is also a symbol of masculinity in Japan. Every year during Japan’s Boy’s Day festival, huge colorful flags and streamers of koi fish can be seen swaying in the breeze. These flags, called Koinobori, are flown in the hope that the boys at the festival will grow up imitating the qualities and strength of the koi. Additionally, samurai are known to have the courage of Koi
– Luck
In Asian cultures, Koi symbolizes luck, good fortune and positive circumstances. Koi fish are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to people who touch them. However, it is not obligatory to raise them. Even koi symbols and emblems are believed to bring positive energies into your life.
– The symbol of friendship
In addition to being a symbol of strength and bravery, in Japan, the Koi is also a symbol of friendship, peace and love . Koi are often found swimming in pairs or in huge schools, always supporting each other.
– Tenacity
Known for their resilience, these fish are able to climb waterfalls and swim against rushing streams. These tenacious species are determined fighters that can adapt and thrive in any freshwater environment.
All these qualities have made them symbols of grit and perseverance.
– Wealth and abundance
The vibrant colors and elegant bodies of Koi fish symbolize wealth and opulence. These iconic fish are often associated with financial success and progress. This is one of the reasons they are so expensive, adorning the gardens and ponds of wealthy state officials and emperors.
– Non-conformity and uniqueness
Born from a meticulous and extensive breeding process, Koi are unique and unconventional, and no two fish of their kind are the same. Nonconformists by nature, Koi fish are known not only for their fighting spirit but also for their desire to stand out. They also embody creative self-expression and individuality.
The meaning of colors
One of the main reasons for the immense popularity of Koi fish is the beauty of their rainbow colors and pigments. From shimmering gold to intense amber to deep red, they come in many colors and shades. All thanks to an ancient genetic mutation. Legends and myths have attributed several meanings to the colors, patterns, and markings of koi fish. Let’s explore some of the most interesting ones.
Pink Koi fish
The pink Koi symbolizes women, especially girls.
The black color
Black Koi come in two variations. One with an entirely black body and the other with black spots on a white body. The all-black variant, called Karasu, is a symbol of masculinity, strength, fatherhood and perseverance. Named after the Japanese dragon of transformation, the black and white Koi, called Kumonryu, represents future life changes.
White and red Koi fish
If the fish has a white body with red markings and spots, it means career success. It is also called Kohaku. If the red and white patterned fish has red coloring around the mouth, like lipstick, it symbolizes love as well as lasting romances. It is called Kuchibeni or Koi lipstick.
Red Koi fish
The red Koi represents motherhood, women and care. It also symbolizes strength.
Silver Koi fish
With a solid platinum body, the silver koi fish or Ogon represents the achievement of wealth through business success.
Yellow Koi fish
Bekko or the Koi with a yellow body and black markings symbolizes true love. Bekko means tortoiseshell in Japanese.
Golden koi fish
The golden Koi fish or Yamabuki symbolizes wealth, gold and prosperity. It indicates that wealth is on the way and that it is essential to use it for a good cause.
Blue koi fish
The blue Koi fish represents rest of the mind and peace. Shimmering blue signifies childhood and calm.
Choosing a Koi fish tattoo
Before getting a tattoo, a prospective tattooist should ideally research the meaning and check if the tattoo they want to get is compatible with them.
The meaning of swimming
There are some beliefs and interpretations regarding the swimming direction of Koi fish when it comes to Japanese tattoos.
When the Koi (Tango No Sekku) swims upstream
1. It means that you have to go through obstacles in your life and you have to fight against all odds, but don’t give up.
2. Armed with your newfound strength and endurance, you overcame a big obstacle. You are now ready to face any difficult situation ahead.
When the Koi swims downstream
1. You are unable to move forward when obstacles stand in front of you.
2. You have achieved your goals by overcoming all obstacles and you are now in a place of satisfaction.
Meaning of Different Colored Tattoos
Now we are going to take a look at the different meanings of koi fish when it comes to tattoo colors.
1. Black Koi Carp
A black Koi fish tattoo signifies strength. If you have successfully fought an obstacle and emerged victorious in life, this can be a great tattoo to display. Your obstacle may be an abusive relationship, substance abuse, depression, or any other difficult situation.
2. Red Koi Carp
A deep red Koi fish tattoo represents intense love and passion, while a light pink shade symbolizes a girl’s love. It can also mean power and bravery, colors commonly associated with the color red.
3. Blue Koi Carp
Like any blue symbol, a blue Koi fish represents wholeness and tranquility. It also represents masculinity and is sometimes associated with reproduction.
4. Yellow Koi Carp
A golden Koi fish is often depicted as a mixture of yellow and orange colors. As this golden fish represents wealth and fortune, wearing a yellow Koi fish tattoo means bringing wealth into your life.
Japan and Koi fish
In Japan, the Koi fish or Koi carp symbolizes luck, prosperity, good fortune, strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. This ornamental fish is a symbol of Japanese culture and the country’s identity. Koi is also known as Nishikigoi, which means skewered carp. You will notice that it is also called the koi fish.
In fact, the word Koi is a Japanese word meaning carp. There are many varieties of Koi, but the ornamental Japanese Koi carp was introduced to Japan in the 1920s in Niigata Prefecture on the island of Honshu.
This type of fish is usually kept for decorative purposes in Koi ponds or outdoor water gardens. Throughout Japan and even around the world, many koi can be found in decorative gardens.
The koi is an ideal fish for outdoor life because it is a cold-water fish that can adapt to many climatic and aquatic conditions. This makes it an ideal domestic fish for a place like Japan.
The popularity of Koi is not just limited to this Asian country. Koi are now found all over the world, including China and other parts of Asia.
Even the United States and Europe have Koi clubs and exhibitions of these fish. This shows that the popularity of ornamental Koi fish has gone beyond the borders of Japan and spread to many other parts of the world.
The legend of the Chinese Koi fish waterfall
Legend has it that long ago, there was an abundance of golden Koi fish in the Yellow River in China. They were making their way upstream, going against the flow, developing strength and perseverance. Their golden hue made the river sparkle as if it were a river of gold.
Halfway upstream, they came to a large waterfall, impossibly high. This waterfall is known as the Dragon Gate in Hunan province. Most of the Koi turned back, following the current to safer ground.
However, some of these fish stayed and tried to jump and go past the waterfall. Some of them made it halfway, but were then pushed downstream after losing momentum and energy. The river spirits also known as the beings of light watched the koi try again and again, laughing at them because they found it amusing. /span>
This lasted a hundred years, the group of Koi continued to try to go up the waterfall but always stopped at this waterfall. With each attempt, the Koi went a little further, gaining technique and strength as they practiced this fall. The spirits continued to mock the Koi, knowing that it was an impossible feat to pass the waterfall.
A Koi tried a different strategy. He went down to the bottom of the river, gained as much speed as possible, and jumped out of the water. He swam as hard as he could along the walls. Somehow he reached the top of the waterfall, and continued swimming upstream.
The spirits fell silent as they watched how the Koi achieved the impossible. Knowing the multiple attempts the koi has tried over the years.
The spirits transformed the Koi into a golden dragon as a reward for its success. In Chinese culture, a large golden dragon is the ultimate symbol of power and strength. This is also why the waterfall is known as Dragon’s Gate, thanks to this popular fable.
Yin and Yang: Koi fish
When we talk about Feng Shui, this fish is connected to Yin Yang. In fact, the black and white part of the Yin Yang is supposed to represent two Koi, a female and a male. The eye of each tear symbolizes the watchful and constant eye of the Koi. This couple is frequently seen when we are not talking about Yin Yang as well. For example, two koi is widely used as a symbol of luck for a happy union.
This carp is synonymous with happiness and harmony. Yin and Yang fit together to create a balance between negative and positive. It is very linked to chi, which represents the root of everything on earth.
Koi carp, the meaning in the world of Feng Shui
When applying Feng Shui to interior design, Koi fish can represent abundance and prosperity in paintings, drawings, photographs or sculptures. Placing Koi artwork in your home can attract positive energy of abundance and prosperity. You can include live Koi in a large aquarium or pond.
Someone who wants to raise Koi must make sure to nourish their positive energy. For this, it is imperative to keep their water clean. The filtration system must also be excellent and you must ensure that it can swim and grow freely.
The gift guide
Koi have a luxurious appearance, they are adaptable and have the habit of dancing against the flow. The Koi is said to be a symbol of courage, a reminder that your dreams can come true if you persevere through difficult times. It can bring good fortune and luck, so it is a very interesting gift for those you love. At this point, it is important to choose a color that symbolizes the message you want to convey.
If you own a small business, choose meaningful gifts for your employees or partners. You can offer a personalized Koi pin in gold or silver. You can also add the company brand name and logo design.
Normally, this type of pin symbolizes wealth and good luck. It also helps to improve the image of companies.
If you are a sports trainer, you can’t miss the Koi-shaped brooch symbolizing perseverance. Add the team name and slogan to custom pins, and choose a black Koi design that symbolizes strength and determination. For female athletes, the Red Koi is more appropriate because it represents strength, beautiful gifts, and beautiful meanings making players more courageous on the sports field.
The final word: Koi carp and its meaning
Koi carp has a very important meaning. She is known around the world for bringing positivity and optimism. From strength and bravery to love and passion, Koi fish tattoos symbolize a plethora of meanings. So, if you have thought about flaunting this fish on your body, you surely have good taste!
