Flower Symbolism Tattoo
Who is good with symbolism? (Koi Fish)?
I’m wanting to get a tattoo on my mid back, and have been looking into some symbolism ideas relative to my life (hardships, family, death, strength, persaverance, determinism, adventutre etc) I think the Koi fish is beautiful, but want to be sure if I were to do this I had it correctly symbolized!!!! as in what direction it should face, colors, and the water surrounding it!!!!!!
So anyone an expertise with this knowledge and any additional knowledge on symbolism ideas for tattys…I’m fairly girlie girlie so would prefer Very/realistic beautiful…. perhaps flowers incorpoated!!!!!
thanks
I’m not all that familiar with the symbolism behind koi fish tattoos, but here are some links to information that I found on it:
Koi are considered a manly symbol, especially after it was appropriated by the Boys’ Day Festival in Japan. According to legend, the koi climb the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they face their death on the cutting board bravely, like samuri. Other Japanese meanings include perseverance and strength.
In China, it is believed that if the koi succeeded in climbing to “Dragon Gate” on the Yellow River, the koi will be transformed into dragons. Because of the Chinese legend, koi are considered a symbol of advancement and aspiration.
When used in tattoos, especially with running water, the koi is meant to symbolize courage and the ability to attain goals and to overcome life’s difficulties. When the koi in the tattoo is shown swimming upstream, it can be used to mean that the tattooee is still struggling with their problem, whereas a koi swimming downstream implies that the recipient of the tattoo has already overcome their difficulty. In other cases, the koi swimming downstream can represent the season of fall, and the koi swimming upstream can represent the spring.
To the Japanese the koi fish (also known as carp) symbolizes perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. Koi are also known for good fortune and luck.
The Koi Fish symbolizes courage in the Buddhist Religion. According to Buddhists, humans ‘swim’ through the ‘ocean of suffering’ without fear, just like a fish swims through water.
The Koi is associated with the family. On Children’s Day Koi flags are raised, Black Koi the father, Orange/Red mother, Blue/White for a boy, red/pink for a girl.
Another word to describe “love” is “koi”. The kanji character for “kokoro (heart)” is included as part of both kanji characters. Both “ai” and “koi” can be translated as “love” in English.
My advice to you is search for a tattoo artists in your area….look at portfolios, talk to people inked (strangers & friends alike), talk to different artist…etc. Find an artist who has an interest or specializes in Japanese influence or fantasy work. Some artist are good all around, but a few have go beyond in a couple of categories…black work, fantasy, etc.
Regardless, once you find an artist you like (if you don’t already have one)…talk to them and see what they come up with. Most great artist today can draw something up for you to your specs…make the necessary changes to where you are happy with it and then do the ink. This makes it an original piece and something that has meaning to you.
And remember, essentially a tattoo will mean what you want it to — don’t read too much into it — if you like the design, that’s all that matters.
Good luck — hope this helps!
a lotus tattoo
