The Japanese koi fish is a symbolizes determination and courage. They make a great tattoo
A koi fish represents perseverance through adversity. Folklore has it that a koi fish will swim upstream and upon completing its journey, transforms into a beautiful dragon.
Japanese tattoos of Koi can symbolize children. In Japan the have a special celebration called Children's Day in which they raise koi flags. Another tattoo would be of the Japanese kanji for children.
Maple leaves are associated with Canada and the cherry blossom is associated with Japan. So, if you are a Japanese Canadian, this may make sense, but there are probably better representations of your culture available. A tattoo is a very personal thing. If you want to combine symbols that mean something important to you, there is nothing stopping you. I do recommend you work with the artist to get an esthetic pleasing design. First off, in Japanese tatto the maple would be that of a Japanese Maple Tree. The reason you dont usually mix the two in one tattoo is because they serve different purposes. They relate to the different seasons. The japanese maple leaf is more often associated with the fall/winter and the koi fish travels up stream in the fall. It would make sense to have maples leaves with a koi fish tattoo. The cherry blossom is most often associated spring summer and are often incorporated into dragon tattoo pieces.
Direction of a Koi TattooHere are opinions and input from FAQ Farmers on whether the direction of the koi fish is significant: SOMEONE ACTUALLY SAID THIS: "Yes - when a koi is swimming up on a tattoo it means that the person is either very sexual and/or homosexual. If the koi is swimming down it means the person is either wanting to give or receive oral (based on if it is a man or woman that has the tattoo)." I have a traditional koi fish tattooed on the side of my stomach. It does not in any way, shape, or form, represent being horny, or being gay, or wanting to preform/receive oral sex. I actually laughed out loud when reading this answer. This is a perfect example of why you should not go to a site to find the symbolism of a tattoo. A tattoo is whatever it means to you. Many traditional tattoos do have historical symbolism, such as the koi fish, but in all reality the symbolism is unique to every person - or just isn't there. However, I am very, very, very sure that there is in no way enough of a belief that koi fishes mean you're horny to be it's "symbolism." I'm going to take an educated guess and say that every single one of the answers below will answer your question with 2938592859 times more reliability than the above quoted answer.My best friend has a koi fish tattoo. She's half-Japanese and she says that if the koi is swimming down, it means that you're trying to overcome hardships and if it's swimming up, you have already overcome them.It would make more sense if it were the opposite. Up = Overcoming Hardships (example - swimming upstream in a battle against the current). Down = accomplished the goal (example - swimming downstream...finally succeeding through the hardship). This is my vote. *edit* I would like to disagree, i believe that if the koi is swimming upstream it has gained strength (by overcoming hardships) and can tackle the wheight of the current. If the koi is swimming downstream then it has not yet gained the strength to swim against the current rendering it weaker.According to Japanese legend, if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called 'Dragon Gate on the Yellow River' it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.There aren't any specific or concrete meanings for certain tattoo symbols. For example: A cross to some may be just be a cross. But to others, there's a religious meaning. Remember, sometimes a rose is just a rose. It doesn't mean or symbolize anything!Actually, in traditional Eastern tattooing, especially the Japanese art of Horimono, the symbolism is important in the direction of travel of the koi and the items with it in the water or subsequent background. The koi that has been surrounded by late season fauna such as maple leaves, etc. and is pointed downwards is intended to denote the fall. A koi pointing upwards surrounded by cherry blossoms or other early blossoming things denotes the spring. You'll note that many fish travel those directions up and down rivers and streams based on those pesky seasonal changes.As a general rule you almost never want to get a tattoo that faces towards your back. If you notice almost all of the arm or side tattoos that you will see will be facing the front. There is always an exception. Whether the fish is swimming up or down I am not sure. But really it doesn't matter what it means to anyone else, just what it means to you.There is some confusion about the legend of the Koi swimming up the waterfall at the dragon gate on the yellow river. I have heard both that it is Chinese and that it is Japanese. I'm not sure which, perhaps both. *edit: Koi do originate from China and were later introduced to Japan in the 1800s. So, I see why there would be mixed messages.*- Koi's swimming downstream are considered bad luck. The legend is a koi swimming upstream turns into a dragon. It is good luck.as far as upstream vs. downupstream means that you are still fighting or strugglingdownstream means that your hardships have been overcome and no longer fighting the currentalso if there is a dragon incorporated into your tat it signifies that the dragons gate falls have been successfully achieved also meaning that you have achieved your goals or overcome your hardshipstraditional ink holds to this criteria, however most who now get this tat just go with what they think looks cool and forget about the meanings of what they get.i have a koi backpiece and hold true to the traditional and laugh at some people who have chosen colorwise, whiskers, and other elements incorporated into their ink because they sometimes don't realize how screwed up the meaning of it isthe direction of the koi, being toward the head or toward the foot is not as important as the direction of the water it is in... the koi facing up stream, regardless of the directionality toward the head or foot is a sign of determination and endurance.. the continuing battle to overcome adversity... the koi facing down stream does not signify failure and giving up.. it is a sign peace with tranquility.. the same way fish gather in still water to feed.. i hope this helps..
On the internet. Try googling "koi fish tattoo designs".
You can go to Google.com and search through images. There are lots of pictures of tattoos.
A koi fish tattoo can have many meanings. It can symbolize bravery, romance, strength, power, luck, and friendship. A blue koi fish symbolizes calmness, and peace.
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Koi fish is a good luck symbol Patricia McLean Hamilton, ON Canada
There are many different possible meanings that could be behind a tattoo of a Koi fish and dragon. These could represent power and agility for example.
I have an incomplete answer for this. I just got a tattoo of a koi fish that I designed (without the spot). I got it done in Japan and the tattoo artist decided to add it. He explained to me that it when a koi fish gets older...something something...and that it was very japanese. I has something to do with the aging or wisdom of a koi fish.
The most common Asian style fish that people get tattoos of are the Koi fish. Koi fish tattoos symbolize good fortune.
the koi stands for power, thanks
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it means you wasted your money on getting a drawing of a fish
The koi fish should always travel or face up. The koi travels upstream until it reaches the beginning and then turns into a dragon.