Koi Fish Tattoos and Their Meaning

Now that you have already decided to get yourself a tattoo the first part of the process is over. You just have to find the right tattoo design for you and as this is a major decision you should take your time and carefully figure out what type of tattoo you would like to have. Tattoo designs are only limited by your imagination and the capability of your chosen tattoo artist. A design worth consideration is the Koi fish tattoo; they are very popular and hold great symbolism.

So, what exactly is a Koi fish? Koi fish are large freshwater fish related to the Carp family and have distinctive bright or contrast colouring however, the orange and red Koi fish are often mistaken for large goldfish. The most common of the Koi fish colours are: Red, orange, white, black and blue. Just like many other types of fish their environment dictates how big they get, most grow no bigger than a mans forearm but with sufficient room they can reach sizes of up to 3 feet in length.

Koi fish are most treasured by the Japanese who have maintained a great respect and love of the Koi fish for thousands of years. They also breed them to stock sacred and ornamental ponds and because they are such beautiful fish.

Japanese Koi Fish Sleeve Tattoos Designs

Not only one of the very beautiful and sexy tattoo designs, Koi Fish Tattoo is also full of deep, rich and meaningful history. If you don't know, Koi is a Japanese word for Wild Carp which is a fresh water fish which is famously treasured by the Japanese who maintain their love and respect for the fish for thousands of years.

There was a Japanese legend about Koi fish that if a Koi successfully climb the fall on the Yellow River at the Dragon Gate, it will transform into a dragon. For that reason, the Koi symbolizes the strength, courage, determination to overcome obstacles and ability to obtain higher goals in life. Other say it means good fortune or luck.

There are many different opinions, though, to the symbol of the Koi Fish Tattoo. Some people feel that there is a sexual symbolism to the color and the direction of the Koi swim. There are also sources that said Koi is a symbolism of family where a black Koi represent the father; orange/red is mother; blue/white is for boys; and red/pink is for girls. For me it's a great choice of tattoo for both men and women because not only it gives a perfect shape on the arm, koi fish tattoos are popular for the deep history and symbolism behind them.

Hot Japanese Koi Fish Tattoos Designs

Koi fish tattoos are quickly growing in popularity. In fact many traditional Japanese tattoo designs are coming to life with new vivid tattoo ink colors. This is a rapidly growing movement very similar to the west coast tattoo style. The west coast tattoo style started with the idea of taking older classic tattoo themes like anchors, hearts and etc and adding a ton of bright, and beautiful inks to them. A few years back the west coast tattoo style was about the hottest thing in tattoos.

However many people are not satisfied to stick with what everyone else has already done and most people that get tattoos want them to be unique and different. Therefore tattoo artists are always on the look out for new designs, new ideas and new ways to take their art to the next level. This constant pushing of the envelope develops many hot new trends in tattoo design.

In the past 5 or so years there has been a rebirth or revitalization of traditional Japanese tattoos. One of the hottest themes in Japanese tattoos has been koi fish tattoos.

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

When it comes to favorites with tattoos the Japanese Koi fish tattoo design is a leader. both in beauty and popularity. This design represents Zen and symbolizes 'Good Luck'. The Japanese draw a parallel between the Koi fish and a Samurai Warrior as they both represent courage, the ability to attain high goals and to overcome life's difficulties. Before rushing off and getting a Japanese Koi fish tattoo you need to consider many factors including the tattoo color, its location on your body and of course any complimentary inclusions.