Symbolism of the Koi

Despite the popularity of the Koi fish for its beckoning colors, another factor that contributed to its popularity is its symbol. It is the subject of legends and myths that tell of many of its aspects. The Koi is known as a fish with many helpful traits like dedication, vitality, boldness and uniqueness.

The imagery of Koi came about due to the many legends that surround this fabulous fish. One remarkable legend tells of how a fearless Koi swam up the Yellow River in China. It swam tirelessly against the intense current, around every bend and between many rocks and plants. At long last, it had to climb up a elevated waterfall. Undeterred, it began its ascent. Despite the dominant force against it, the Koi managed to reach the top of the waterfall and there it turned into a beckoning dragon.

This story brings to mind the aspects of endurance, willpower against all odds, great bravery, the enthusiasm to take risks, vitality of character, the enthusiasm to opposed to widely held opinions and many other.

One praiseworthy virtue of the Koi is boldness. It is understood that as soon as a Koi is captured by fishermen, it would not struggle like other fish. Once placed on the chopping board, the Koi would not flap around trying to breakout. As an alternative, it would lie still awaiting its fatality like the Japanese samurai. With this, the Koi is also a symbol of masculinity, boldness and a enthusiasm to sacrifice.

Another entity the Koi symbolizes is longevity. It is probably the fish with the longest lifespan. The oldest Koi died in 1977 in Japan at the age of 226!

That is how the Koi has become a symbol of so many pleasant characteristics. Many people these days use the Koi symbol in different forms of art like painting, sculpturing and body art like tattooing. The Koi has turn out to be an art object in jewelry, clothing and decorative items to doll up a house.