Koi - Also known as Japanese Carp is a bright gold, orange and white fish. The Japanese tattoo is one of the most visible and popular styles. It has many meanings, as is well known for its ability to climb waterfalls, and as such symbolizes courage in adversity.
Probably surprising to many westerners is the large amount of the old myth that these beautiful fish in the Orient and their elevated status there surroundings. Generally known here as the brightly colored fish that are common in public ponds and fountains, carp (koi is Japanese for carp) can be found in colors white, yellow, gold, deep orange, and some are even calico-colored contain. Particularly beautiful specimens have been known to fetch prices of more than half million dollars of private collectors who specialize in their breeding and showing. However, the koi is more than just a colorful and collectible fish. It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols - a beauty that belies its symbolic meaning. Although the Chinese origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, especially for the male qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it is on the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. This theme goes back to ancient China, where a legend tells how a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly striving and progress. Eventually, the stoic fish was associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that allocate the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan where even today colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo pictures, especially when combined with water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to achieve high goals, and overcoming difficulties of life.
Probably surprising to many westerners is the large amount of the old myth that these beautiful fish in the Orient and their elevated status there surroundings. Generally known here as the brightly colored fish that are common in public ponds and fountains, carp (koi is Japanese for carp) can be found in colors white, yellow, gold, deep orange, and some are even calico-colored contain. Particularly beautiful specimens have been known to fetch prices of more than half million dollars of private collectors who specialize in their breeding and showing. However, the koi is more than just a colorful and collectible fish. It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols - a beauty that belies its symbolic meaning. Although the Chinese origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, especially for the male qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it is on the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. This theme goes back to ancient China, where a legend tells how a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly striving and progress. Eventually, the stoic fish was associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that allocate the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan where even today colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo pictures, especially when combined with water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to achieve high goals, and overcoming difficulties of life.
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