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The Koi fish is a very strong symbol of many different things with extremely deep meaning for those who choose it as part of their body art. If you have been considering getting a tattoo that somehow involves a Koi Fish, you should know all meaning and symbolism associated with them. This way, you can make sure that everything about your Koi fish conveys the meaning that you want to exhibit.

Koi fish have a very long history in the Japanese Culture. They were originally common carp and were later domesticated and bred to produce certain colors. The reason they are so prominent in Japanese culture is a long standing legend or myth of how Koi become dragons. Most of the meaning and symbolism behind Koi fish stems from this ancient legend.

The Legend

Japanese the Koi fish gain strength by swimming against the current. Thousands of Koi fish were swimming up the Yellow River in Japan. Once they reached the waterfall, most turned back and just went with the current because it become to hard. The ones who remained continued to try to reach the top of the water fall. These Koi kept trying for one hundred years. At last, one Koi had successfully leaped to the top on the water fall. To reward this dedicated Koi, the Gods turned it into a beautiful golden dragon.

The falls have become known as the "Dragon's Gate". Any Koi who has the strength and perseverance to complete to journey to the Dragon's Gate will become a Heavenly Dragon.

Read more about How Koi Become Dragons.

It is also said that if a koi is caught, it was await the cut of the knife without a quiver. This is also how Samurai warriors are said to face the sword in battle. This clearly portrays the cultural beliefs in the strength and courage of the koi.

Beliefs about the meaning and direction a Koi fish is swimming vary greatly. Some theories on what it means are actually contradictory. But, if you are using a Koi in your tattoo, you can apply the meaning that applies to you. Tattoos are your form of self expression.

Some of the major colors of Koi fish:

Black Koi Fish Meaning

The black Koi resembles overcoming an obstacle successfully. This symbol is great for those who have gone through a tough battle in life and have finally made it to a place of strength. This can include, depression, drug addiction, an abusive relationship and many other situations. In Japanese culture, the black koi is a symbol of the men in the family.

Red Koi Fish Meaning

The red koi often has the connotation of love. Not just any love, a very strong and masculine love. Red koi can also be used as a symbol of power and bravery as any red symbol can.

Blue Koi Fish Meaning

The blue koi is often very masculine and can be associated with reproduction. It is often considered a symbol of the son of a family. As with anything blue, it also represents peace, tranquility and calmness.

Koi fish are often paired to the yin yang symbol. The sides of black and white are said to resemble a female and a male Koi fish swimming together. This shows the harmony of two opposite energies coming together as one, creating a perfect balance. In Taoism, yin and yang further symbolize the dueling sides of all things and the perfect balance and harmony of them. . The circular movement of the fish represent the belief that all things in life are connected.

The zodiac symbol for Pisces is one of two kois in a Yin Yang fashion.

Fire and water with koi fish can further exemplify the balance and harmony in life, much as the Yin Yang does. Opposite powers coming together.

Since the legend states that the Koi became a dragon at the end of it's long difficult journey, the two together can represent a transformation.

The dragon koi symbolizes overcoming difficulties, just like the koi did by climbing the Dragon Gate. The dragon koi shows strength and will, the will to go against all odds to reach its destiny. A dragon is also a representation of power and ferocity, along with mystery and aura. It is also seen as re-birth, new start or beginning. It indicates the ability to move on, and begin with a clean slate.

Read more at Buzzle

The lotus is a very beautiful flower that grows out of the muddy pond. Bringing the lotus and the koi together further resemble the pain, struggle and growth that one may have endured. Just as the koi started as a little fish and grew into a strong dragon, the lotus starts out in a dirty pond but still becomes beautiful.

For more images and flash art for koi tattoos, visit The Vanishing Tattoo.