In addition to the above meanings, some of the 24 different color varieties of koi have their own symbolic significance. Possibly in reference to the relation between koi and yin and yang, a pair of koi fish is considered a good luck symbol for a long and happy marriage. Koi swimming upstream are considered good luck, while koi swimming with the water current are believed to symbolize bad luck.įurther general symbolic meaning for koi includes that of good fortune, prosperity, success, and longevity.

The tendency to go against the current also suggests notions of overcoming obstacles and succeeding in the face of adversity. In general, these focus on the koi’s ability to swim upstream and even up waterfalls – leading to associations with courage, ambition, and perseverance. Having a rich cultural history, koi fish have amassed a number of symbolic meanings and associations. In recent decades, koi fish have been kept in decorative ponds and water gardens all around the world. According to Chinese cosmology, the universe was created out of chaos, which divided itself into two balanced. The yin and yang symbol represents the concepts of dualism and balance. It is said that the two elements of yin and yang, the ancient Chinese symbol of two seemingly contradictory forces actually complementing and completing each other, are representations of two koi fish – one male and one female – with the point in each half being the eye of each fish. Interestingly, they’re distant cousins of goldfish – which are also descended from the carp.īesides their appearance, the most significant attribute of koi fish is their ability to swim upstream.Īccording to one legend, if a koi fish managed to climb the Dragon Gate waterfall on the Yellow River, it would transform into a dragon. Carp were originally brought to Japan and domesticated as a food source, but were later bred for their aesthetic appearance – eventually resulting in the 24 varieties of different-colored koi we have today. Koi are related to the carp – a common freshwater fish. You might be wondering why someone would get a tattoo of a fish – besides it looking awesome (not that this isn’t a good enough reason!).Īs a matter of fact, koi fish have major cultural significance, particularly in Japan and China, and a range of symbolic meanings – making them an interesting, multilayered, and highly customizable choice for a tattoo. If you’re looking around for ideas for your next tattoo design or even just browsing through the portfolios of tattoo artists, you’re bound to have come across photos of koi fish tattoos.Ī common choice for both men and women, koi designs became a major tattoo trend a few years ago and have remained highly popular since.

Psst fish tattoo