The koi fish is a popular breed of fish in Japan. Equally popular are tattoo designs inspired by this colorful species. The Japanese library of koi fish tattoos showcases a wide variety of tattoo designs in which the fish is used in combination with splashing water, lotus flowers and cherry blossoms.
The non-Japanese may better understand what the koi fish is when it is referred to as carp. The word koi is the Japanese replacement of carp. The most strikingly appealing thing about the koi fish is the spectrum of brilliant colors in which they are to be found. The Japanese have inbred the species in order to produce precious gem-like marvelously radiant creatures in the water.
Symbolism of koi fish
As far as the symbolism with the koi fish tattoo is concerned it is supposed to act as a good luck charm. The particular meaning attached to the koi fish is relative to the environment in which it is found. The koi fish in the wild generates a different feeling than the ones in the pond. Their Chinese counterparts on the other hand have a very generalized interpretation regarding the image of the koi fish.
The Japanese word koi does not only translate as carp which is the actual name of the breed of fish rather it also means love. This inadvertently gives the symbol of love to the breed of fish. The particular love which the koi fish stands for is the one with the opposite sex, not so much the love one has for family.
Contrary to popular assumptions the symbol of the colorful koi fish is regarded to be very masculine in Japan. It is however common to find both men and women stamped with koi tattoos in today’s times.
The library of koi fish tattoo designs is full of energetic designs that depict it in bright colors and movement. It is considered to be an extremely powerful fish in reality as it has the ability to fight the currents of the river and actually swim against the stream.
Koi Fish Tattoo Meanings
The wide range of koi fish tattoos has different meanings. For example a koi fish tattoo design with the fish moving against the stream is a symbolic representation of strength. This is because in life it takes a lot of guts to face the tide that fate has to unfold for you. In other cases the koi fish also represents perseverance or victory that has been achieved over a struggle.
Another symbolic meaning that koi fish tattoos have for the masses is that of independence. This perception is more influenced by the west where going against the norm of society is a thing to be celebrated. The koi tattoo shows the wearers pride in being the odd one out and not caring about the opinions of others. Basically the koi fish becomes a very personal message that people try to put out for others to see.
