Koi Fish Japanese Tattoos Symbol

Koi fish is often used in tattoo designs not just because of its obvious elegance and vibrant colors, but more because of the symbolism surrounding it. Koi fish in Japanese is an expensive fish that we are all familiar with are carp that have been especially bred. Because koi are beautifully patched fish, it is best to have a koi tattoo design that has any of its natural combinations of the colors gold, white, yellow, red, and black

While the fish originated from China, it is the Japanese who have made it a household name. The koi is a celebrated symbol in Japan-mostly associated with exceptional courage. It is said that this fish, if caught and placed on a cutting board, can lie still and wait for the knife to drop-without a quiver. That it can remain stoic in the face of imminent death is a quality likened to the samurai warrior's unflinching courage to face the sword.

Generally, koi fish tattoos' meanings include strength of character and the temerity to face adversity and seemingly impossible odds. With regard to the Chinese "Dragon Gate" legend, koi fish are also seen as symbols of high aspiration and accomplishment. Koi are also referred to as "living jewels," and so are likewise associated with luck and good fortune. The image of five golden koi are said to mean "eternal wealth" and wellbeing.

Koi fish tattoos' meanings can vary for different people. Others also believe that the meaning of the koi tattoo design differ depending on the placement, colors and position of the fish, as well as other aspects of the design. Of course, the ultimate meaning of any tattoo would always be unique and personal for the person who has it.

The meaning of Koi Fish Tattoo Art

Koi fish stands for courage, strength, determination, advancement, and perseverance. In the English Language the word "Koi" is translated as the word "love", or the feeling of love. However, koi can also mean selfish. In the orient koi is a symbol of good luck.

In China there is a legend that describes a koi fish swimming up the Yellow River to a waterfall, and if it is at a place called the Dragon Gate, the koi may then jump over the fall and be transformed into a dragon.

In koi tattoos you will often see them combined with water, cherry blossoms or lotus flowers .However, the Japanese koi tattoos have many symbolic meanings depending on what the koi is doing. Koi fish are a very energetic fish, and the Koi fish tattoos may often involve very lively colors, with the fish depicted as moving. Koi fish tattoos are often represented with victory as well, and are often tattooed on a person's body to represent someone who is very independent, going against the grain of society.

Any koi tattoo art is suppose to bring its wear wealth and abundance, and thus this king of fish is known as the dragon fish, and many koi tattoos are depicted in a larger tattoo. They are very popular tattoos for the back and/or both shoulders, or as Koi sleeve tattoos. The background colors are as spectacular as the fish itself. They have been depicted with suns and moons as well.

The koi has also been depicted with the Yin/Yang symbol; the Yin being the black part, which is female, night, water, earth, and it is passive; the Yang being the white part, is male, day, fire, air, and it is active. Together these two symbols meant balance and harmony. In itself the Yin/Yang makes a very strong statement, but together with the koi, makes it extraordinary.

A koi tattoo is supposed to represent different things it just depends on the color and the amount of them and the direction they are swimming in the stream. 5 golden koi is supposed to represent eternal wealth and well being. Each color represents a specific meaning. Some people believe that the color of Koi Tattoo on your body should be in harmony with you and your surroundings.

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Design : What Color Should You Choose

When it comes to favorites with tattoos the Japanese Koi fish tattoo design is a leader. both in beauty and popularity. This design represents Zen and symbolizes ‘Good Luck’. The Japanese draw a parallel between the Koi fish and a Samurai Warrior as they both represent courage, the ability to attain high goals and to overcome life's difficulties. Before rushing off and getting a Japanese Koi fish tattoo you need to consider many factors including the tattoo color.

When you finally visit the tattoo parlor for your Koi fish tattoo you need to have a clear opinion of the color scheme you want the tattoo drawn in. A very popular color scheme is the time-honored Yen Yang design of black and white. For many of this classical arrangement is a little too conservative and tame and they prefer to choose another more vivid arrangement. For example if you have a dark or olive skin color it may be more appropriate to select a bright hue so the Koi fish tattoo is more noticeable. If you are want to go the more traditional style, you may want to choose one of the Koi’s natural colors such as white, red, black, yellow or gold, or perhaps a mixture of those colors.

Ideally it is best to choose a color design that compliments your skin tone. As a suggestion, if you have yellowish tone in your skin it might be more appropriate to have a gold or yellow and red tattoo. If you have pink to your skin, black, white, red, or blue may be the best color selection for your Japanese Koi fish tattoo design.

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Design : Environments

When it comes to favorites with tattoos the Japanese Koi fish tattoo design is a leader. both in beauty and popularity. This design represents Zen and symbolizes ‘Good Luck’. The Japanese draw a parallel between the Koi fish and a Samurai Warrior as they both represent courage, the ability to attain high goals and to overcome life's difficulties. Before rushing off and getting a Japanese Koi fish tattoo you need to consider many factors including the complimentary inclusions.

Once you have decided what your tattoo is going to look like and where it is going to be put, you need to give consideration to what other features you would like to include with the design. A popular and effective addition to the Koi design is a flowing stream, a calm pool or even rocky rapids. Combine your Japanese Koi fish tattoo design with a few unique inclusions such as your favorite Japanese symbol and it will result in a tattoo of high quality that can be cherished throughout the years by both the wearer and the admirers

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Design : Tattoo Positioning

When it comes to favorites with tattoos the Japanese Koi fish tattoo design is a leader. both in beauty and popularity. This design represents Zen and symbolizes ‘Good Luck’. The Japanese draw a parallel between the Koi fish and a Samurai Warrior as they both represent courage, the ability to attain high goals and to overcome life's difficulties. Before rushing off and getting a Japanese Koi fish tattoo you need to consider many factors including the tattoo location on your body.

Have you any idea where you intend to position your tattoo? It is recommended that you make sure that your Koi fish tattoo has a place of honor on your body. You must also ensure it is in a place on your body that you can live with. For example, if your work place is of a conservative nature which frowns on employees having ‘out there' body art or has a strict dress code you may not want your tattoo on your hand, face, neck or lower arm where the tattoo is readily visible and almost impossible to camouflage with clothing.

On the other hand, if you are free to show off your lucky Japanese Koi fish tattoo design, consider placing it on the small of your back, your forearms, around the side of your neck or even swimming around your ankle, as is one of the preferred places for female wearers of the Japanese Koi fish tattoo.