What Symbols & Myths Are Associated with Koi Fish?

On the surface, a koi fish may simply appear to be a large carp, so you might wonder why it’s such a common motif in landscaping, art, sculpture, and especially in tattooing. What’s so special about this fish? The answer is koi have a rich symbolic attribution attached to them by the Japanese, which is why they’re featured so prominently in artwork. Koi are one of the most auspicious animals in the river, according to folklore.

The most popular myth about koi comes from its ability to swim upstream. The legend is that if a koi makes it to the top of the Yellow River to a place called Dragon Gate, it will be transformed into a dragon—the most auspicious animal on land or sea, according to the Japanese. For this reason, koi are considered symbols of aspiration, especially in the material sense. They represent advancement and promotion to high offices and wealth.

Koi are also said to represent courage and determination against adversity. This interpretation of the Dragon Gate myth places emphasis on the arduous swim up the Yellow River rather than the miraculous transformation that follows it, buy the core idea of both interpretations comes from the unlikely success koi fish have in going against the flow. For this reason, a third interpretation says individuality and freedom from restrictive customs is the symbolic message of the koi for humanity. Buddhism takes this interpretation:koi swim against the current of worldly suffering toward the divine heights.

Furthermore, koi are sometimes seen as a symbol of a symbol. In pairs, they represent yin and yang. In fact, the symbol called the “yin-yang” is thought to be derived from the image of two koi, one white and one black, circling one another in the water. In landscaping, koi ponds traditionally hold nine gold koi and one black one, representing yang with a dot of latent yin. If you’d like to follow this tradition and create your own koi pond, make sure to do your research and get off to the right start with the proper koi pond supplies. A reminder: make sure you have adequate filtration that can grow with the amazing size these wonderful pets can obtain.

Although koi are associated with good luck, promotion, advancement, and wealth, there are nuanced meanings associated with the particular color of the fish. White koi with red spots symbolize success in work and career. Black koi are associated with drastic change and sweeping transformations in life. Silver koi represent success in business, while gold koi represent attainment of riches by any means. There is also the kuchibeni koi, which has a distinctive red ring around its mouth. It’s called the lipstick carp, and it represents enduring romantic relationships.

The symbolism of koi in tattoos can become very complicated. Depending on the colors and number of koi as well as the direction in which they’re swimming, the meaning of a tattoo can be completely changed.

Koi are one of the most popular fish around, and who knows, it might even change your luck if you have a few of your own. For everything you need to get started, including koi food and pond equipment, drop by Aquatic Warehouse. And if you already have fish of any kind and need advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 858-467-9297.