The popularity of Koi tattoos is growing everyday. So what makes these brightly colored fish so popular? Many just like their ornamental beauty and bold colors, while others choose a koi because of the symbolism that it represents. Koi originated in China and they were introduced into Japan in the 1800's. According to Chinese legend, it is believed that if a koi succeeded in climbing the Yellow River falls to "Dragon's Gate" then it would be transformed into a dragon. This symbolizes worldly aspiration and advancement. In Japan they are considered a manly symbol and according to legend, if a koi climbs the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they will lay on the cutting board completely still facing their death bravely just as a samurai would. Based on that legend, the Japanese associate koi with perseverance and strength.
Koi fish are very powerful and energetic and they can swim against the current to reach food or spawning ground. This fact also has bearing on whether people have their koi tattoo swimming up or down. It is said that if the fish is swimming upstream then you have overcome a hardship during trying times. If it is swimming down, then you are struggling with a hardship. However others translate this to mean that a koi tattoo swimming upstream represents a very independent person that has very little concern for what others think. You would rather be your own person and face the challenge of swimming against a hard current than to conform to the rules of society. This is an act of power and you cannot be deterred by anything.
According to legend, the very strong koi will be able to swim upstream and leap the waterfalls, being rewarded at the end of the journey by being turned into a dragon. the koi climb the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they face their death on the cutting board bravely, like samurai. The Koi has long been revered within the tattoo community as a symbol of Perseverance and Strength...a symbol paying homage to a long challenging journey towards a lifetime Goal. koi in the tattoo with running water symbolizes courage and the ability to attain goals and to overcome difficulties of life. When the koi in the tattoo is shown swimming upstream, it can be used to mean that the tattooee is still struggling with their problem, whereas a koi swimming downstream implies that the tattooee has already overcome their difficulty.
Koi tattoos are now very popular among men and women. Typically men get them on their shoulders or calf and women like to get them as a lower back tattoo.There are a few out there that also get them as full back tattoos with more of a tradition Asian design. The color scheme of the Koi fish tattoo is very important element. A common color scheme would be the Yen Yang design of black and white. Most of the cases, the color scheme work the best if integrate with your shin color. For instant, if you have a dark or olive skin color it may be more suitable to choose a bright hue so the Koi tattoo to make it more visible.
