Blog Entry
Koi Fish Tattoos - Meaning and Design
June 12, 2009 by , under Koi Fish Tattoos.
Koi fish tattoos are very popular not only because of the bright colors that the fish have but also because of the symbolical meaning attached to it. Koi, is the Japanese term for the fish and carp is its general name. Its a large group of fish originally found in Central Europe and Asia where they were used as food fish. Because of the koi’s natural ability to survive and adapt to many climates and water conditions it became propagated to many new locations including Japan. They became domesticated fish that are commonly kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds and water gardens.
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Symbolical meaning of Koi Fish Tattoos
Koi fish has indeed become a favorite design for tattoo enthusiasts because of the symbolism it represents. Its meaning varies depending on how it is inked on the body. If tattooed with running water, the koi is meant to symbolize courage and the ability to overcome life’s difficulties. When the koi in the tattoo is shown swimming upstream, it can be used to mean that the person is still struggling with their problem, if downstream it implies that the person has already overcome their difficulty. These symbolism attached to koi fish are usually derived from the myths, legends and stories from ancient China and Japan. They all based upon the way it behaves, either in the pond or in the wild. China, on the other hand, have a very special interpretation of koi fish in general
Here are other meanings associated with Koi fish:
- Legend has it in China that if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that belief, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.
- In Japan, the koi climb the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they face their death on the cutting board bravely, like samurai warrior facing a sword. It’s considered a manly symbol, especially after it was appropriated by the Boys’ Day Festival in Japan where each son in the family is honored by a koi flag as an inspiration to the young that they might grow strong and resilient like this extraordinary fish.
- With its beauty and charm, the koi is also a popular symbol for the family, especially in Japan - black koi for father, flame red koi for mother, blue and white for boy, and pink and red for girl.
- Because of its innate capacity to survive any types of living conditions, it has become a symbol of strength and determination to overcome obstacles. With its perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose, it stands for the courage and ability to attain high goals.
- In Buddhish Religion, the Koi Fish is said to represent courage. Humans ’swim’ through the ‘ocean of suffering’ without fear, just like a fish swims through water with full determination.
- Others believe that the koi fish means good fortune or good luck.
Placement and Design of Koi Fish Tattoos
Koi Fish Tattoos are commonly inked in elaborate and colorful manner on large body areas such as ribs, back, arms, chest, shoulder and legs. These are the common tattoo locations as koi fish design are normally very large tattoos, with intricate shading and colors to depict their rainbow of scales and their strong swimming motion against the current. It includes backgrounds, mostly water and bamboo and can be combined with other floral designs such as cherry blossom and lotus. Other favored tattoo images such as hearts, suns or moons and even tribal or Celtic touch can also be added. Koi tattoos is supposed to be in harmony with you and your surroundings so make sure that when you decide to get one, its a design that is well thought of .
Comment by Tattoo Designs for Men and Women | Tattoo Designs and Tattoo Ideas.
[…] Koi Fish Tattoos - are artistically appealing with their beautiful shapes and brilliant colors. They are mostly favored because of the symbolical meaning attached to them which is generally the overcoming of obstacles and struggles in life. […]