The Significance of Koi Tattoos

The Significance of Koi Tattoos

The Significance of Koi Tattoos

The Significance of Koi Tattoos

When the koi in the tattoo is shown swimming upstream, it can be used to mean that the tattooee is still struggling with their problem, whereas a koi swimming downstream implies that the tattooee has already overcome their difficulty. A koi in the tattoo with running water symbolizes courage and the ability to attain goals and to overcome life's difficulties. The Koi has long been revered within the tattoo community as a symbol of Perseverance and Strength...a symbol paying homage to a long challenging journey towards a lifetime Goal. the koi climb the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they face their death on the cutting board bravely, like samurai.

The Koi Fish Tattoo meanings According to legend, the very strong koi will be able to swim upstream and leap the waterfalls, being rewarded at the end of the journey by being turned into a dragon. koi have been popular images throughout the history of Asian tattoo designs and now Koi is very prevalent in Western tattoo culture. Based on that legend, koi became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. The word "koi" comes from the Japanese, simply meaning "carp." According to Both Japanese and Chinese legend, If a koi fish succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon.

Koi Tattoo Design

Like many popular elements from oriental tattoo design such as lotus flowers and dragons, koi fish tattoo designs have permeated into Western tattoo culture - despite the negative connotations tattoos have in Japan (tattoos were at one time illegal and are often associated with the Japanese Mafia).The Japanese tattoo artists who first started inking kois were inspired by an oriental legend that said if a koi carp could swim upstream the river to Dragon Gate on the Yellow River, the koi would be rewarded by being transformed into a dragon.

If the koi was caught, it would lie still one the chopping board and accept death honorably - like a Samurai warrior. For this reason, koi tattoo designs represent courage, perseverance and tenacity through life's difficulties, aswell as honor in failure.

A koi swimming downstream usually means the tattooee has overcome their difficulties, whereas a koi swimming upstream implies that the tattooee is still struggling through hardship.