Koi Fish Tattoo Drawings

Koi Fish Tattoo Drawings

The koi have long been a part of the Japanese life. At almost every temple and sacred place there is a small koi pond. The koi also know as Carp fish is known throughout China and Japan. Originally the story came from Buddhist teachings in Chine where it was believed the koi fish would swim upstream and go against the current and even up a waterfall. The myth states that any koi fish that could swim up the Yellow river and up the waterfall at the mythical place called Dragon Gate would then turn into a dragon. Therefore in China the koi fish would stand for strength and power and advancement. This same idealism was adopted throughout Japan. It was adopted in Japan to such a degree that it has become a part of their daily life and ritual. In fact large flags of koi fish are flown on Boy's Day to celebrate the strength, energy and power that boys should posses.

Koi Fish Tattoos Symbolism

Koi fish have been a very deep part of the Japanese psyche for thousands of years. Even today there is hardly a temple that does not have a small koi pond filled with these majestic fish. The original lore probably came from China but has been handed down for so many thousands of years that Japanese now believe that it is always been there own. Anyway the koi fish is believe to be a powerful, strong and independent fish. The story goes that this fish swims up stream against the current (thus is why there are often drawing splashing) and if they are strong enough and have enough power they eventually reach the highest gate and once they pass through it they become a dragon and fly up powerfully into the sky.

The symbolism for most Japanese is one of strength, power and being true to one self. This is something that works well with many women today who want to strike out on their own and feel their own power and independence.

Koi Fish Tattoo Drawings