Koi Fish Tattoos

Symbolizing good luck in the Japanese culture, a koi fish tattoo is meant to bring fortune to its wearer. In its natural setting, the koi fish perseveres swimming long distances upstream to procreate and continue the species. Japanese legend has it that if a sacred koi successfully negotiates upstream and scales the Dragon Gate Falls on the Yellow River, it will magically change into a mighty dragon. The dragon symbolizes attaining the goal one is striving for. Because of this, the koi fish tattoo also evokes ambition and the passionate struggle and hope for success in life.

Anyone who relates to this upstream fight in life can wear a koi fish tattoo with pride and dignity. For example, it can look very feminine and pretty on a woman’s foot, wrist or shoulder blade. Although the most traditional color for the koi is a shimmering golden orange, the wearer can personalize the tints according to what represents him or her the best. Given the ideas of ambition and success, it is best to bare it proudly on your shoulders, arms and legs, and not associate it with the sexual innuendos of, for instance, a lower back tattoo.

The koi fish tattoo is versatile enough to find a home on men’s arms and back as well. Along with depictions of the fish itself, a very masculine image is the mythical transformation of the koi into the dragon. This scene is popularly represented in full back spreads, illustrating the journey the sacred fish goes through to attain the power of the dragon at the mouth of the Dragon Gate on the Yellow River. The image of a simple, single koi fish is also popular among men who perhaps are a little more secure with their masculinity, because it does have a more delicate effect.

As with most things, celebrities have taken a liking to the koi fish tattoo trend. Both Charlize Theron and her mother got matching koi fish tattoos. According to the ladies, the tattoos are meant to represent the battle Charlize’s mother fought over breast cancer, and to symbolize the triumph she and her daughter felt in the the face of such strong adversity.