Koi fish tattoos meanings have far more depth to them than people usually realize. Traditionally known as the Japanese carp, these fish often hold great symbolism for those who choose the piece as a tattoo.
Koi Fish Background
To many, the color of a koi fish determines its significance. Wild koi fish come in a variety of colors from a muddy gray to the bold orange with which they are commonly associated. The popular orange variety does not occur as often in nature because it is the product of a breeding plan implemented by fish farmers to produce a more marketable koi. In Japan, the word koi refers primarily to the wild variety. As a result, many of the country's symbolic meanings for the fish refer to the wild variety instead of the fish species as a whole. One of the primary reasons the fish is symbolic in Japanese culture is because it is known for swimming upstream no matter what the conditions are. These fish are even said to swim up waterfalls. The knowledge of the koi is often illustrated in meanings of various koi tattoos.
Common Koi Fish Tattoos Meanings
Interested in finding a few of the meanings behind koi fish tattoos? Some of the most common include:
- Perseverance and power
- Independence
- Bravery
- Good luck and blessed fortune
- Masculinity
Perseverance and Power
In both Chinese and Japanese tradition, koi fish are known for swimming upstream. No matter the weather conditions, no matter how hard or steep it may be, no matter how many waterfalls - the koi fish will swim upstream. This is viewed as an absolute show of power because they will continue to swim upstream as if on a mission. They cannot be distracted or deterred by anything.
Independence
It is rare to see a fish swim upstream. When faced with adversity, most fish will "go with the flow" and follow the stream. Koi do not do this. As a result, they are seen as a symbol of non-conformity. The fish is portrayed as a living being who will follow the beat of his own drum no matter how much outside noise he hears.
Bravery
Old mythology dictates that when a koi fish is taken out of the water, he does not flutter around in the manner most fish do. Instead, he moves very little and accepts anything that is given to him. Koi fish also will not move when placed on a cutting board. This is seen by many people as a sign of absolute bravery in the face of defeat because other fish would put up a fight.
Good Luck
While there may not be many reasons for it, many associate this fish with luck and good fortune. Many restaurants keep the fish around their front entrance in hope of blessing their stores with customers and, as a result, fortune.
Masculinity
In Asian cultures cultures, women are typically not viewed as equals with men the way they are in the United States. For this reason, the fish is associated with the "stronger" of the two sexes in those cultures. The power display the fish shows when swimming upstream has been associated with the power inside all men.
How To Incorporate These Meanings Into Your Tattoo
If you've been considering a tattoo but don't know what to get, the koi tattoo might be right for you. Here are some reasons why the tattoo might have personal meaning:
- You've suffered a major adversity
- You consider yourself a fighter
- You pride yourself on being independent
- You are brave
- You never give up
- You consider yourself lucky or desire more
- You embrace your masculinity
If any of these traits sound like you, a koi fish tattoo is the perfect symbolic choice.
Final Words
Think long and hard about the meaning of a tattoo piece before making it permanent. A tattoo is a way of expressing a portion of yourself to the outside world. Koi fish tattoos meanings can be translated into designs that are both desirable and unique. Even if you don't find a deeper connection with the characteristics associated with koi, don't let that stop you from choosing this beautiful fish as a tattoo. Not every tattoo needs an explanation attached. Finding a tattoo that pleases you in some way is more important than common meanings or folklore.
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