Koi Fish Tattoo

The Koi Fish Tattoo And Success

Koi Fish Tattoo

Koi fish are prominent subjects in the Japanese culture and also in Japanese tattoos. The term nishikigoi in Japanese means "colored carp" and refers to the mysterious and delightful realm of koi fish. The Japanese admired these fish not only for their beauty but for their ability to transform the observer into another state.

When you consider the scales of a fish, and how light gives them a shimmering almost ethereal glow, those glistening scales, with a small shift in perception, can take the form of a sky full of dancing stars or a beautiful sequined dress or a bundle of shimmering treasure coins. So you see how fish can open up the imagination, allow you to think laterally and see beyond the obvious, qualities which have been the benchmark for good business.

It is no wonder then the Japanese attribute koi to success, good fortune, ambition, harmony, and therefore your koi fish tattoo would evoke the same ideals.

The Koi Fish Tattoo Courage

A Koi fish tattoo can be viewed as emblems of energy, power and courage. These fish are able to swim against currents and even travel upstream, even known to swim up waterfalls! Now there is not an scientific explanation for this except for the fact that they are innately programmed for challenges. They swim upstream as if on a mission and not many things can stand in their way. They are a fast moving bread, and rarely will you see these fishes languishing. Hence a koi fish tattoo can emphasize a constant need to challenge one self and always act with unrelenting determination when you may be going against the grain in life circumstances.

The Koi Fish Tattoo- The Desire To Progress And Take Risk

Koi Fish Tattoo

According to the ancient Japanese legend, the koi fish used to swim upstream, in a river called the ‘Yellow River’. The most prominent point in that river was known as the ‘Dragons Gate’, and this was the goal of all koi fish was to pass this gate so that they could transform into the most esteemed of all Japanese creatures, the Dragon.

However only a very small percentage of fish would succeed. Their arduous upstream battle to become dragons was made more taxing because only during a certain time could this transformation take place, which was on a third full moon of the year. So according to the Japanese, these fish would go though such adversities with a very tiny possibility of attained their goal, but they still would go at it, full force. Their strong desire to fight for a better station, for a more respected status was worth the risk.

So, your koi fish tattoo can stand as an image which signifies your desire for a headstrong need for progress and achievement, despite the currents that may be working against you.

Many of us have dreams and most of us are encouraged to focus on something more ‘realistic’ as the chances of those dreams coming true are akin to nil. But there are people whose dreams have come true and that is because they showed the same kind of ‘insanity’ as the koi fish, after all what you gain is the direct result of what you are prepared to risk.

Different Meanings Of The Koi Fish Tattoo

If you are looking to ink a koi fish tattoo, be vary of the color you choose to ink as each koi has different symbolic meanings.

· Kohaku - This koi has a white body with red spots and allows its wearer to achieve supreme success in career.

· Kumonryu - A jet black colored fish, named after a Japanese dragon of transformation. This koi brings about life changing circumstances and can transform your life for the better.

· Ogon - This solid, silver colored koi symbolically represents wealth that will be gained though a business venture.

· Kuchibeni - This white and red patterned koi is often referred to as the "lipstick" fish, because of the red ring around its mouth, and is said to bring love.

· Yamabuki - The Yamabuki koi is gold in color and fittingly stands for gold, wealth and supreme prosperity.