According to the Chinese tradition, a carp, or a koi (in Japanese), can transform into a dragon if it has successfully climbed the cataract called the Dragon Gate in the Yellow River at Hunan. It is believed that only a particular type of carp called YuLong (魚龍) is capable to climb the falls. In each spring, the carps will have to swim thousands of miles away from the ocean before they could reach the water at the foot of the falls.
To be successfully in life, one has to be brave like a koi which has to swim a long way upstream to lay eggs. The carp has to have a lot of strengths and determination to overcome any obstacles and hardships in order to attain the transformation. Koi fish tattoos, or koi carp tattoos, signify the same connotation, and they symbolize advancement, aspiration and courage.
Many people believe that the koi will bring good luck and fortune. In Buddhism, carp tattoo depicts someone who is going through tough time in life without fear. In most parts, Koi fish projects a very positive, encouraging and cheerful image. Whether you want to wear koi fish tattoos as body embellishment or for self encouragement, the koi artwork will definitely be an excellent choice as the design is unique and beautiful with its bright colors.
The koi carp tattoos are usually found in a mixture of colors with white, yellow, orange, black and gold. In Chinese tradition of feng shui study (the laws of Heaven and Earth), a koi fish in flowing water can improve the energy flow, and thus improving one’s life.
Koi fish tattoos are suitable for both men and women. There are a few ideal locations to place a carp tattoo on a woman’s body. A feminine koi artwork looks perfect to be worn on the feet, shoulder blades, lower back and wrists, but koi carp tattoos can also be made very masculine to suit the males. The guys usually like to portray the journey of transformation of a koi into a dragon with flowing water in a large full back design.
See beautiful, creative koi fish tattoos
