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Koi Fish

Interesting Facts

Koi Beliefs

The Japanese associate koi (also known as carp) with 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. According to Japanese legend, if a koi succeeds in climbing the waterfalls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River, it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on this legend, koi became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. Other beliefs include:

• Koi = Love:  The kanji character for "kokoro (heart)" is included as part of both kanji characters. Both "ai" and "koi" are probably translated as "love" in English. However, they have slightly different nuance: "Koi" is a love for the opposite sex, or a longing feeling for a specific person. It can be described as "romantic love" or "passionate love". While "ai" has the same meaning as "koi," it also has a definition of a general feeling of love. "Koi" can be selfish, but "ai" is a real love. Here are some lines that explain them well: Koi is always wanting. Ai is always giving."
• In Buddhism, koi fish represent courage. Humans "swim" through the "ocean of suffering" without fear, just like a fish swims through water
• Koi is symbolic with family. On Children's Day Koi flags are raised: Black Koi, the father; Orange/Red, the mother; Blue/White for boys and red/pinks for girls
• Five golden koi are said to represent eternal wealth and well being
• Koi are associated with good luck, plain and simple. Colors and size are personal preference.

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