There are many different opinions as to what Koi Fish Tattoos symbolize in tattoo art, many feel that there is a sexual symbolism to the styles and colours of Koi, some feel that the direction which a Koi swims in the tattoo symbolizes sexual orientation whereas others believe that the Koi is an expression of perseverance and achievement.

By far the strongest and most popular interpretation is that of aspiration, determination, achievement, ambition and perseverance in a journey to ones goal in life. This is continually reinforced by the tale of Dragon Gate and the arduous journey to be at one with ones destiny, perhaps the most recalled version of the meaning of the Koi Fish Tattoo. Any research will return a fairly constant result with regards to the meaning of this popular tattoo art form so in effect this almost pre conditions our opinion on the subject.

The Kois symbolism of sexualty in Tattoo art is not widely understood or believed, there are groups of people who try to reinforce the belief that the direction that the Koi swims along the body symbolizes ones sexual orientation, heterosexual or gay? This adoption of the belief is not so widespread as the perseverance interpretation.

In other cultures the Koi represents wealth, although this is not essentially within the tattoo community, the Kois symbolism of wealth is represented in the charm market, charms of Golden Koi represent wealth and good fortune, but this hasn’t been replicated in the tattoo world.

Other belief states suggest that the Koi is a symbol of uncompromising bravery, used in direct comparison to a Samurai warrior, the Koi is said after being landed by the fisherman, to lay rigid on the slab embracing its fate with the knife, this si the absolute symbol of the Samurai…accepting his fate in life or death in an honourable fashion. The Koi Fish is known to be the only creature that directly reflects the stoic heroism and strength of a Samurai.

Many other associations with the Koi are made directly with Yakuza members. The Yakuza are the feared gangs of Japanese organised crime who adopt a certain style of tattoo amongst their ‘gangs’ and cultures. The Yakuza have no direct association purely with Koi, although this doesn’t mean that they do not represent themselves in this art form. In the main, the Yakuza style of tattoo is reflected in modern day art forms using the stronger and more dangerous symbols such as the tiger or the snake, these are far more prominent in the Yakuza tattoo art forms. In fact more prominient is the style of the Japanese warrior in the act of slaying Japanese mythical beasts, this style is very popular and far more prominent than that of the koi fish art.

The greatest weight of evidence with regards to the Koi in tattoo art forms leans towards the perseverance, strength, endurance and struggle in achieving ones goal in life, this is the most popular reason for acquiring this ink style.

In essence there is no direct association with Koi Fish Tattoos and no right or wrong. The decision to have a Koi fish tattoo is purely based on an individuals desires and preferences, after carrying out independent and exhaustive research into the tattoo styles one will end up even more confused than when they started out. The choice is yours, the colour, the style the length and position are purely a matter of your own interpretation of the symbol.

And depending on the design of your tattoo, the process will get on more painful and painful. So please bear with it.

The more decorative or the more symbolic your tattoo design is, the more artistic it will get. Tattoo is simply a means of self-expression. It is after all, used among wide scopes of culture and its history runs down from ages to ages. And understandably, as the ‘ages’ went, the tattoo designs became more elaborate that some developed more like living artworks rather than simple accentuations imbedded into human skin.

There are literally myriad of tattoo designs that often leave customers overwhelmed. Let us take a look on some more popular designs these days so you and other people planning to get tattooed would have more defined ideas of what design to punch into the skin. Note: This isn’t easy and the process is equally not handy so focus on what you truly desire and work on it until the last point of the needle.

No culture in the world is more responsible with the development of the tattoo than the region of the Polynesia. The word itself came from its ancient language, which meant “to make a mark”.

The designs patterned from ancient ideas spotted in this region are normally referred to as tribal, one of the most intuitive and versatile designs there are. Aggressive bold lines and symmetrical patterns, tribal tattoos remain to be popular (and constantly working its way to extreme popularity) because it primarily allows the influence of other cultures, artists’ personal expression and fusion with other designs.

Like its tribal ancestors, designs patterned from Celtic ideas don’t actually contain or convey a single concept, rather it communicates feelings and illustrations depending on the interpretation of the audience. Celtic concepts were typically borrowed from ancient Celtic culture tracing back from the 1st century. These designs don’t present specific images, except for those that depict certain pieces of Celtic history and literature. Designs covered in this genre have no beginning and no end. They are composed of intertwining loops and knots. While unquestionably famous, Celtic tattoo designs should only be done by artists who have dedicated their profession in this single style.

Yet it is not only the looks that matter in tattoo designs. Because it is for self-expression, people often find themselves content with adding specific religious symbols that make their faith more pronounced. No wonder, the extreme prevalence of angels, crosses and other religious tokens can be seen throughout many regions.

Well, who would forget patriotism? (Or is it due to lack of choice? Probably not.)

The eagle, the eagle, the eagle. Well, that’s stereotypical. How many times have we seen myriad of eagle designs that depict the Great America? We’ve already lost count actually.

Americans seem to have this special commitment towards the country that they are even willing to leave marks of its symbols into their skin. You may choose to follow after their practice but you may also not. That really depends on our preference. However, if you want to be unique, you can try looking for more seldomly used design rather than the American eagle or any other eagle of that sort.

The only key here is to ask yourself what really matters to you. Will I love Mary mean the same thing a few years from now? Think. navahissimo

The Koi fish is believed to bravely climb the waterfalls and to swim up any stream against the present current. Back in China, an old legend says that any Koi fish that had prosperously climbed the waterfalls at a point on the Yellow River named “Dragon’s Gate”, would be transformed into a Dragon at the top. It is through this legend that the Koi fish became a symbol that stands for Advancement and Strength in the face of Adversity.
More to come…

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