About Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi are very strong fish, they can even swim against the current. An admired old Chinese myth speaks of Koi that was once brave enough to swim against the current to the waterfalls of the Yellow River. The myth goes on to state that if the Koi reaches its target at the top in the river that's called "Dragon Gate" then the fish would turn into a dragon.

The Japanese made it a familiar name even though the fish first originated in China. The Japanese related the Koi to exceptional bravery and is why it is a famous fish today. The Japanese said that the Koi, if caught and placed on a cutting board could lie still and wait to be cut by a knife without so much as flinching. That if it could wait for obvious death is a feature much like the samurai warriors bravery to face swords.

Koi fish tattoos often have different meanings but the common meaning includes strength, bravery to face hardship against all odds. Regarding the Chinese "Dragon Gate" legend, Koi are seen as symbols of accomplishment and grand aspiration. Koi fish are often referred to as "living jewels" and often associated with good fortune and luck. If you've ever seen the image portraying five golden Koi this is said to mean "never-ending riches" and well being.

Many tattoo designers suggest to people who have put great importance on being a free thinker to that of the Koi ability to swim against the current as being "non-conformist".

There are others who believe that the meaning of the Koi tattoo design differ based on the placement, position of the fish and the colors, as well many other differences in design. Much of this depends upon the person who has it.

If contemplating a Koi tattoo it's best to go with the colors of natural combination such as: gold, yellow, red, orange, black or white.