It can also represent a powerful transformation, growth, and a sense of rebirth after a significant event in life. White Koi fish – a white Koi fish tattoo symbolizes success in one’s career and business endeavors.

However, it can also symbolize overcoming struggles and winning battles in life, which is something everybody experiences and can relate to.

Black Koi fish – the black color for a Koi fish tattoo is usually chosen by men, since it represents masculinity, and often fatherhood.

This is one of the most common color choices for a Koi fish tattoo since it is striking and enhances the tattoo design.

Red Koi fish – the main symbolism of a red Koi fish is love, power, strength, bravery, and motherhood.

In regards to each color, here’s what a Koi fish tattoo can mean So, each color of the Koi fish carries a different meaning and symbolism. The fish have been originally bred to have multiple, distinct colors, and truth to be told, the colors tend to be breathtaking. The Color Of The Koi Fish Image Source: Saved Tattoo But, it can also mean that you’ve already reached the ‘top of the waterfall’, and now you’re enjoying the slow swimming down the current, enjoying your success and the fact that you fought the obstacles successfully.

Koi fish swimming downstream – this usually carries a meaning that you’re in a process of deciding what is it that you want in life and that you may not yet possess the strength to go against yourself and the current.

It can also represent strength and ability to go against the current, no matter what it takes. Some of the symbolism includes battle, struggle, obstacles, perseverance, and commitment to the goal.

Koi fish swimming upstream – such a depiction of a Koi fish can carry a load of meaning.

Here are some of the main meanings and symbolism of a Koi fish tattoo in regards to the direction in which it swims It varies from one person to the other, but some symbolism and meaning are set in stone when it comes to Koi fish tattoos.

The meaning of what Koi fish represents can be numerous. Also Read: 14 Best Dragon Tattoo Designs: Mesopotamian, East Asia Or Europe? Koi Fish Tattoo Meaning The Direction In Which The Fish Swims Upon reaching the top, the gods rewarded the fish by transforming it into a golden dragon.īecause of this myth, Koi fish is regarded in Chinese tradition as a symbol of determination, perseverance, and the ability to reach any goal. Meanwhile, demons saw the fish battling the waterfall, and decided to make the waterfall larger and even more challenging.Īt last, only one Koi fish managed to reach the top after 100 years of trying. However, a small number of Koi fish was determined to reach the top of the waterfall. Upon seeing the waterfall and recognizing that this obstacle is impossible, many fish gave up and return to swimming with the current. However, the very legend of Koi fish originates from China, or the more specific the river Huang Ho, also known as the Yellow River.Īt this river, the Koi fish were known to grow incredibly strong, since they managed to swim against the current.Īccording to the Chinese and Japanese myth, thousands of Koi fish continued to battle the current, until they eventually reached a waterfall on the Yellow River. Koi fish is one of the main symbols of Asian legends and traditional stories, old as much as thousands of years. Koi Fish And The Golden Dragon Legend Image Source: Saved Tattoo The Koi fish can have color schemes including white, orange, red, black, blue, yellow, and cream.īecause ‘Koi’ in Japanese is a homophone for another word meaning love and affection, the Koi fish is often a symbol of love, friendship, and commitment in Japan. The distinguished coloration, pattern, and scalation have made the Koi fish a suitable centerpiece of many Asian legends and traditional stories. The color variations this fish can have all stems from genetic mutations lasting millions of years. The fish was and still is, kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds or water gardens, characteristic of the Japanese royal and wealthy tradition. Its name, Koi fish, originates from the Japanese name Nishikigoi, which translated means ‘brocaded carp’. Koi fish has a long history and an incredible impact on the culture of China and Japan. So, without further ado, let’s get started! What Is A Koi Fish? Image Source: Saved Tattoo If you want to get a Koi fish tattoo, we recommend you continue reading for a better understanding of the symbolism and how the fish fits you, and the tattoo design you may have in mind. This wonderful symbol carries many incredible meanings and can be adjusted for breathtaking tattoo design. Koi fish represents one of the most iconic symbols of Asian tradition and traditional Asian tattoos.

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