Koi Fish Tattoos Have Unique Meanings In Different Cultures

Koi Fish tattoos have unique meanings in different cultures,  in Japan it is seen as a symbol for good fortune or luck .Sometimes they are associated with not giving up and adversity and strength . It is also a symbolic symbol in the Buddhist culture, to represent courage. Today the fish are considered to be symbolic of material gain, prosperity and spiritual happiness.

Koi fish swim upstream against the current in rivers and streams naturally in the wild. According to Japanese and Buddhist legend, when a koi journeyed upstream to the waterfall and the fish succeeded in climbing the falls at a place called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River, it would be transformed into a golden dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

This is a theme of many modern day tattoo sleeves and koi fish tattoos. I also have a Arm sleeve that has many koi fish and a dragon in its theme.

There is also names for each color of fish and a meaning to the colors, you can see many of these colors in tattoos and if you understand the meaning of each color, a new outlook on the tattoos meaning will emerge.

The koi fish is a popular symbol for the family, – black koi for father, flame red koi for mother, blue and white for boy, and pink and red for girl.

Here are a few color reference and type of fish guides that i use from a old book that explained them more in detail for tattoos that I do:

Bekko: The translation of the name is “tortoise shell”, and these fish can be red, yellow, or white.

Kohaku: The two major colors, white and red, which is the very meaning of their name. These color are know to be symbolic of career success.

Kuchibeni: The red and white color symbolize love.

Kumonryu: Have block spots on a white body and the other variation of this Koi is a body that is totally black. They represent change and transformation.

Ogon Koi: The platinum colored fish represents the fulfillment of wealth in the form of success in business.

Yamabuki Koi: The gold fish represents (of course) gold, wealth and prosperity.

Ochiba Shigure: Grey and brown in color and can mean “autumn leaves on water” or “leaves fallen on the water.”