koi fish tattoos

Koi fish tattoos has indeed become a favorite design for tattoo enthusiasts because of the symbolism it represents. Its meaning varies depending on how it is inked on the body. If tattooed with running water, thekoi is meant to symbolize courage and the ability to overcome life’s difficulties.

koi fish tattoos

When the koi in the tattoo is shown swimming upstream, it can be used to mean that the person is still struggling with their problem, if downstream it implies that the person has already overcome their difficulty. These symbolism attached to koi fish are usually derived from the myths, legends and stories from ancient China and Japan. They all based upon the way it behaves, either in the pond or in the wild. China, on the other hand, have a very special interpretation of koi fish in general

koi fish tattoos

Here are other meanings associated with Koi fish:

Legend has it in China that if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that belief, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

koi fish tattoos

In Japan, the koi climb the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they face their death on the cutting board bravely, like samurai warrior facing a sword. It’s considered a manly symbol, especially after it was appropriated by the Boys’ Day Festival in Japan where each son in the family is honored by a koi flag as an inspiration to the young that they might grow strong and resilient like this extraordinary fish.

koi fish tattoos

With its beauty and charm, the koi is also a popular symbol for the family, especially in Japan – black koi for father, flame red koi for mother, blue and white for boy, and pink and red for girl.

Because of its innate capacity to survive any types of living conditions, it has become a symbol of strength and determination to overcome obstacles. With its perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose, it stands for the courage and ability to attain high goals.

koi fish tattoos

In Buddhish Religion, the Koi Fish is said to represent courage. Humans ‘swim’ through the ‘ocean of suffering’ without fear, just like a fish swims through water with full determination.

Others believe that the koi fish means good fortune or good luck.

koi fish tattoos

Placement and Design of Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi Fish Tattoos are commonly inked in elaborate and colorful manner on large body areas such as ribs, back, arms, chest, shoulder and legs.

koi fish tattoos

These are the common tattoo locations as koi fish design are normally very large tattoos, with intricate shading and colors to depict their rainbow of scales and their strong swimming motion against the current. It includes backgrounds, mostly water and bamboo and can be combined with other floral designs such as cherry blossom and lotus.

koi fish tattoos

 Other favored tattoo images such as hearts, suns or moons and even tribal or Celtic touch can also be added. Koitattoos is supposed to be in harmony with you and your surroundings so make sure that when you decide to get one, its a design that is well thought of .

koi fish tattoos

koi fish tattoos

koi fish tattoos

koi fish tattoos

koi fish tattoos

koi fish tattoos