Koi Fish Tattoos
Meaning Behind Koi Fish Tattoos
The Boys’ Day Festival in Japan has appropriated the Koi fish as a manly form of symbolism. Legend tells the story of how the Koi would bravely climb waterfall, risking death if caught, and end up on the cutting board. They faced death like a Samurai.
In the Japanese culture Koi also represents the meaning of perseverance and strength.
The Chinese belief is if the Koi fish is successful in climbing to the “Dragon Gate” located on the Yellow river, a transformation will take place and they will change form into dragons.
This Chinese legend has created symbolism of Koi fish to be aspiration and advancement.
When Koi fish are represented in the form of tattoos there are different meanings in the symbolism. For example:
- Shown with running water, is meant to symbolized courage, with the ability to attain one’s goals and overcome life’s difficulties.
- If the tattoo features a Koi fish swimming upstream, it can represent one is still struggling with their life problems. In some cases this symbol represents spring season.
- If the tattoo features the Koi fish in a downward stream is implying the bearer of the tattoo has successfully overcome their difficulty. In some cases this symbol represents fall season.
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