Koi (carp)

Koi painting by Marco

Koi Fish Tattoo Meaning:

Determination, Strength, Courage, Desire for Success

Koi are a specially bred type of carp. They are native to China but like many things were incorporated into Japanese life and culture. Koi are given masculine qualities in traditional eastern folklore such as strength and bravery.

In Japan koi are symbolic of the samurai. Their perseverance swimming upstream against the current of rivers is likened to the bravery of samurai warriors. The Japanese have a saying “Koi no taki nobori” which translates to “koi climbing the rapids”. It signifies that strength and determination will allow someone to conquer all life’s obstacles.

Should a Koi fish tattoo be going up or down? There is no specific right or wrong. A koi fish swimming up stream can symbolize an ongoing struggle or a task or desire or goal yet to be obtained. It can also symbolize spring and should be seen with cherry blossoms. A koi swimming down can symbolize a struggle that has been conquered, a task or desire or goal that has been accomplished. It can also symbolize autumn and should be seen with maple leaves.

Koi can also carry meaning depending on their color. Black: Represent masculinity and/or the patriarchal role. Blue: Represent tranquility and/or the role of the son. Yellow: Represent prosperity and well being in business. Red: Represent strength and power and/or the matriarchal role. All of the individual colors can of course represent the desire for the associations attached to them.

A koi fish tattoo is one of the most popular and classic Japanese tattoo designs.