Koi Fish Tattoos - Tattoo Design That Symbolize Strength and Perseverance

Koi fish tattoos are more commonly seen in men than women as they are depicted as arm tats, sleeve tattoos or back pieces. They are more of a man's symbol since it was celebrated by the Boys' Day Festival in Japan and have been used to represent perseverance and courage.

Koi fish tattoos have long been a favorite because of the symbolical meaning it carries. Its message varies depending on how it is inked on the body. If tattooed with running water, the koi is meant to symbolize courage and the ability to overcome life's challenges and difficulties. When the koi in the tattoo is executed swimming upstream, it can be used to mean that the person is still struggling with their problem, if downstream it denotes that the person has already overcome their difficulties in life. These symbolisms attached to koi fish are usually derived from the myths, legends and stories from ancient Japan. They all based upon the way it behaves, either in the pond or in the wild. China, on the other hand, have a very special interpretation of koi fish in general as for them, it is an emblem of worldly aspiration and advancement. It is based on the Legend in China that 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.

Koi Fish Tattoos are commonly inked in detailed and elaborate manner on large body areas to celebrate the colorful and vibrant colors of this creature. They can also be seen tattooed with backgrounds, such as water and bamboo and can be combined with other floral designs such as cherry blossom and lotus.