{"id":4755,"date":"2020-12-31T09:25:41","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/?p=4755"},"modified":"2024-01-22T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T00:00:00","slug":"koi-fish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/koi-fish\/","title":{"rendered":"30+ Koi Fish Tattoo Designs (And The Meaning Behind Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Koi fish represents one of the most iconic symbols of Asian tradition and traditional Asian tattoos. This wonderful symbol carries many incredible meanings and can be adjusted for breathtaking tattoo design.<\/p>\n

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. So, without further ado, let’s get started!<\/p>\n

What Is A Koi Fish?<\/h2>\n
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Koi fish has a long history and an incredible impact on the culture of China and Japan. Its name, Koi fish, originates from the Japanese name\u00a0Nishikigoi<\/em><\/a>, which translated means ‘brocaded carp’.<\/p>\n

The fish was and still is, kept for decorative purposes in outdoor ponds or water gardens, characteristic of the Japanese royal and wealthy tradition. The color variations this fish can have all stems from genetic mutations lasting millions of years.<\/p>\n

The distinguished coloration, pattern, and scalation have made the Koi fish a suitable centerpiece of many Asian legends and traditional stories. The Koi fish can have color schemes including white, orange, red, black, blue, yellow, and cream.<\/p>\n

Because ‘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.<\/p>\n

Koi Fish And The Golden Dragon Legend<\/h3>\n
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Koi fish is one of the main symbols of Asian legends and traditional stories, old as much as thousands of years.<\/p>\n

However, the very legend<\/a> of Koi fish originates from China, or the more specific the river Huang Ho, also known as the Yellow River.<\/p>\n

At this river, the Koi fish were known to grow incredibly strong, since they managed to swim against the current.<\/p>\n

According 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.<\/p>\n

Upon seeing the waterfall and recognizing that this obstacle is impossible, many fish gave up and return to swimming with the current.<\/p>\n

However, a small number of Koi fish was determined to reach the top of the waterfall.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, demons saw the fish battling the waterfall, and decided to make the waterfall larger and even more challenging.<\/p>\n

At last, only one Koi fish managed to reach the top after 100 years of trying. Upon reaching the top, the gods rewarded the fish by transforming it into a golden dragon.<\/p>\n

Because of this myth, Koi fish is regarded in Chinese tradition as a symbol of determination, perseverance, and the ability to reach any goal.<\/p>\n<\/i><\/a>Also Read:\u00a014 Best Dragon Tattoo Designs: Mesopotamian, East Asia Or Europe?<\/a><\/p>\n

Koi Fish Tattoo Meaning<\/h2>\n

The Direction In Which The Fish Swims<\/h3>\n

The meaning of what Koi fish represents can be numerous. It varies from one person to the other, but some symbolism and meaning are set in stone when it comes to Koi fish tattoos.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the main meanings and symbolism of a Koi fish tattoo in regards to the direction in which it swims;<\/p>\n