Koi are an ancient and mystical animal in the far east. Myths are written about their journey up river to magically transform into a dragon. The stories talk about their perseverance and vigilance to never turn back. Their elaborate colors have made them very valuable and some have reported certain species sold for over $500,000. These living jewels are regarded as wise and loyal creatures. One koi was once reported to have died at the age of 226. Koi are usually depicted in ponds with big lilies as tattoos and can vary in size. This is a great image to include in a Japanese motif tattoo.
Symbolic Interpretation of Koi Fish Tattoos
Symbolically, koi fish is associated with good fortune because the folklore says that it has the power to climb the falls on Yellow River and become a dragon. Similarly, it stands for the hopes and aspirations of a person to become better and pass through tough situations in life with strength and perseverance. In the same way, koi tattoos are supposed to harbinger good fortune for the bearer and give him strength to bring the best out of himself. In Christian religion, fish stands for faith and abundance. Koi fish tattoos originated in East Asia, though it has different symbolic meaning in different cultures as like lion tattoos.
In Japanese culture koi fish is interpreted as a symbol of love and passion for the beloved. It also stands for masculinity, which is why flags with images of this fish are put up in the country, when a son takes birth in a home. On the other hand, when we talk about Chinese culture, koi represents strength and determination to fulfill your dreams as, according to the legend, the fish turns into a dragon when it climbs the Yellow River. It also symbolized lasting good fortune, which is why there is a popular belief that the koi tattoo will attract wealth and riches in your life. Additionally, koi fish is full of vigor and energy and swims with great power and speed against the current to each a food source, which signify that the fish is determined and powerful to fight against the odds. Similarly, this tattoo is a symbol of courage and determination,which inspires a person to tackle the most difficult situations with courage and positivity. Also, swimming against the current makes the fish an independent personality with courage enough to go against the tide and symbolically, it represents the ability to go against the set norms in life, giving a powerful and courageous image to the bearer of koi tattoo.
