Koi Fish Meaning
The koi fish is a symbol with extremely deep meaning for those who choose it as part of their body art. If you have been considering getting a tattoo that involves a koi fish, take the time first to learn the meaning associated with them. The traditional significance of a koi fish tattoo can vary depending on the fish’s orientation (whether it is going up or down your body) and color. You want to be sure that your koi fish tattoo conveys the desired meaning.
Japanese Koi Fish Legend
A koi on a float during the Gion Festival in Kyoto representing the fish's legendary struggle against all obstacles.
A koi on a float during the Gion Festival in Kyoto representing the fish's legendary struggle against all obstacles. | Source
Koi fish have a very long history in Chinese and Japanese culture. They were originally common carp and were later domesticated and bred to produce certain colors. Chinese invaders brought koi to Japan, where the fish flourished. Koi fish are prominent in the work of Japanese tattoo artists because of a long-standing legend of how the fish become dragons. Most of the meaning and symbolism behind the fish stems from this ancient legend.
How a Koi Became a Dragon
According to legend, any koi that is able to scale the waterfall known as "Dragon's Gate" will be transformed into a dragon.
According to legend, any koi that is able to scale the waterfall known as "Dragon's Gate" will be transformed into a dragon. | Source
According to Chinese and Japanese myth, there was once a giant school made up of thousands of koi fish swimming up the Yellow River in China. As they swam, they gained strength by pushing against the current. However, on the Yellow River, there is a waterfall. Once the fish reached the waterfall, most turned back and just went with the current because it became too hard. The ones who remained continued to try to reach the top of the waterfall. These koi kept trying for one hundred years. At last, one koi successfully leaped to the top of the waterfall. To reward this dedicated koi, the gods turned it into a beautiful golden dragon.
The falls have become known as the "Dragon's Gate.” And legend has it that to this day, any koi that has the strength and perseverance to complete to journey up Dragon's Gate will become a heavenly dragon.
It is also said that if a koi is caught, it will await the cut of the knife without a quiver with the bravery of a Samurai warrior facing the sword in battle. This clearly portrays the cultural beliefs in the strength and courage of the koi.
Did you already know about the legend?Quite interesting right?
The Meaning Behind Which Direction the Koi is Swimming
Whether a koi in a tattoo is swimming upstream or downstream can impact its meaning.
Beliefs about the meaning and direction a koi fish is swimming vary greatly. Some theories of what it means are actually contradictory. But, if you are using a koi in your tattoo, you can choose the meaning that applies to you. Tattoos are your form of self-expression.
Upstream
You are currently in a battle or struggle and are still fighting obstacles but won’t give up.
You have overcome obstacles and have now gained the strength you need to continue against the current.
Downstream
You don't yet possess the strength to make it against the obstacles and move towards success or
You have already achieved your goals and overcome your obstacles, and you are no longer fighting the current.
Koi Fish Symbolism
Koi fish are capable of adapting to many different climates and water conditions and can symbolize strength. It is inherent in a koi's nature to swim upstream. Through the koi fish legend, you can see that they show great determination, dedication, perseverance, and success. Here are some of the things that they can symbolize:
-Overcoming obstacles and reaching a goal
-Completing a transformation in life
-Worldly aspiration and advancement
-Prosperity, good luck, and a long life
-Power
-Independence
-Masculinity
-Passionate love
-Friendship
The Meaning Behind Different Colors of Koi Tattoos
Some of the different koi colors.
As mentioned earlier, koi fish were originally common carp and have been bred for distinct colors. Different meanings are associated with each color. Some of the major colors of koi fish are:
-Black
-White
-Red
-Yellow, orange, or gold
-Bluish gray
-Cream
Black
The black koi is associated with successfully overcoming an obstacle. This symbol is great for those who have gone through a tough battle in life and have finally made it to a place of strength. These obstacles can include depression, drug addiction, an abusive relationship, and many other situations.
In Japanese culture, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters are all symbolized by different-colored koi fish. On Children's Day (May 5), families fly flags of the fish representing each member of their household so that they appear to "swim upstream" against the wind. The black koi is the symbol of the father.
Red
The red koi often has the connotation of love. Not just any love—a very intense love. A red or orange koi is a symbol for the mother of the family, and a red or pink koi is a symbol for a daughter. Red koi can also symbolize power and bravery, both common associations with the color red.
Blue
The blue koi is often very masculine and can be associated with reproduction. Blue and white koi are symbols of the son of a family. As with anything blue, it also represents peace, tranquility, and calmness.
Yellow
Tattoos often use a combination of yellow and orange to represent a gold-colored koi. These gold-colored fish symbolize fortune and wealth. The Japanese term for them is yamabuki.
Complementary Symbols
Koi fish tattoos often incorporate various symbols, such as the yin-yang symbol, water and fire, dragons, or lotus flowers. Here is what each of them mean:
Yin-Yang
Yin-Yang koi fish tattoo.
Koi fish are often paired with the yin-yang symbol. The sides of black and white are said to resemble a female and a male koi swimming together, representing the harmony of two opposite energies coming together as one, creating a perfect balance. In Taoism, yin and yang further symbolize the dueling sides of all things and the perfect balance and harmony of them. The circular movement of the fish represents the belief that all things in life are connected.
The zodiac symbol for Pisces similarly depicts two fish swimming in a yin-yang fashion.
Fire and Water
Including both fire and water with koi fish can further exemplify the balance and harmony in life, much as the yin-yang does. It symbolizes opposite powers coming together.
Dragon
Since the legend states that the koi became a dragon at the end of its long, difficult journey, the two together can represent a transformation.
The dragon koi symbolizes overcoming difficulties, alluding to the koi’s climbing of the Dragon Gate. The dragon koi shows strength and will, the will to go against all odds to reach its destiny. A dragon is also a representation of power and ferocity, along with mystery. It represents a re-birth, new start, or beginning. It indicates the ability to move on and begin with a clean slate.
Lotus Flower
A koi swimming with lotus flowers symbolizes beauty that comes out of hard circumstances.
The lotus is a beautiful flower that grows out of muddy ponds. Bringing the lotus and the koi together further represent pain, struggle, and growth. Just as the koi started as a little fish and grew into a strong dragon, the lotus starts out in a dirty pond but still becomes beautiful.
