Koi Fish and Their Meaning

Koi is the Japanese word for carp. Carp are common throughout the world and are unremarkable except in their ability to survive and breed. They are a hardy fish and can live in freezing waters. Koi, on the other hand, are ornamental fish known for their striking colors - mainly yellow, gold and orange. They come in a wide variety of patterns and can be extraordinarily beautiful. Koi have been a feature of Japanese life for over two thousand years.

Symbol of longevity and loyalty

Koi live from 15-20 years but one female fish was said to live for over two hundred years. This means they can live through generations in a family and become very much part of a child's day-to-day life. The fish in the pond become part of the family. They are always there so are seen as loyal members of the family. In fact it has become a symbol for the family in Japan where family members each carry a koi flag on Children's Day. A koi tattoo represents this longevity and loyalty.

Sign of courage and perserverence

Many stories and myths have grown around the koi over a very long time. There is one legend that tells of the koi making its way over long distances against all odds to finally swim up a waterfall, which is Dragon Gate, on the Yellow River. The fish gather in the pool at the base of the falls in huge numbers in late spring. Any fish that can make it up the falls will change into a dragon. It is regarded as a great feat of courage and perseverance. A koi tattoo is a symbol of this courage and determination. In both Japan and China these are seen as masculine qualities. A young man will have a koi tattoo as a sign of his masculinity.

Works of art and beauty

Koi tattoos can be stunning in the colors and designs - works of art and beauty. The fish are often drawn with a flow of water - to represent its battle against the waterfall.The Japanese give the koi qualities of wisdom, knowledge, and longevity. Its image can represent all these. A koi tattoo can be a stunning, colorful work of art or a simple black and white drawing. It can remind the wearer of the courage and determination shown by the fish to beat all odds to survive. It can remind a person of childhood days when one of these beautiful fish might have been part of their lives. Maybe they have memories of sitting by the pond and taking in some of the peace and serenity the koi seemed to have. Maybe it just makes them feel happy.