Advanced Landscape Systems

Koi Fish - Interesting Facts

Koi Symbolism

Japanese symbolism of Koi fish are categorized according to their attributes. For example:

• Yamabuki: The gold colored fish represents gold, wealth and prosperity.

• Ogon: These Koi have a single metallic color, either yellow, orange or silver. When pictured in art or tattoos, Ogon are thought to represent the fulfillment of wealth or good fortune.

• Kohaku:  Known for their white bodies with red markings, are thought to symbolize career advancement.

• Kumonryu: A midnight black colored fish that is named after a Japanese dragon of transformation - and this fish is said to bring about change in life circumstances.

• Kuchibeni: Also white and red said to inspire long lasting, loving relationships.

• Sanke: Koi variety similar in appearance to the Kohaku, but have additional black spots among their red and white markings.

• Showa: Koi that are of the a black and red type, with white spots.

• Ochiba Shigure:  Koi are grey with tea colored spots resembling autumn leaves. The name Ochiba Shigure translates to “fallen leaves”.

Koi Beliefs

The Japanese associate Koi fish (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.

The term nishikigoi in Japanese means "colored carp".  Nishikigoi also refers to the magical realm of Koi. The Japanese recognize Koi not just for their beauty, but for their ability to transform the observer into transformative states of perception. These altered states of perception lead to the attraction of good energy - and this manifests in the form of prosperity of all kinds. Fish have the power to take us to fantasy realms and they seduce our analytical minds to let go and allow our imaginations to roam around in our own thoughts. This ability comes from their elaborate colors and fluid motion. Additionally, much animal symbolism of fish comes from their watery world. Water is the realm of motion, emotion, dreams and the psyche It's no wonder Koi capture our imaginations!

More Koi beliefs:

• Feng shui principles state that Koi are auspicious and attract prosperity and abundance.

• Koi have a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream.

• Koi is synonymous with harmony and happiness. The two yin and yang Koi complete each other and create a perfect balance of the negative and positive energies of chi energy, which is the life-force of all things on earth.

• In Buddhism, Koi  represent courage. Humans "swim" through the "ocean of suffering" without fear, just like a fish swims through water.

• 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."

• Koi are 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.

• Koi is a tried and true symbol of auspiciousness

• If you wish to draw wealth and prosperity to you and your family then buy seven red carp and one black one. The number eight is an auspicious number of prosperity. The black fish will attract and absorb any negative luck destined your way.

• The official symbol of auspicious happiness is that of a young boy holding a carp or Koi. Koi is vital to the Chinese culture and the symbol is often combined with other good luck symbols.

Resources

www.nishikigoi-info.com

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LANDSCAPES

PONDS

WATERFALLS
FOUNTAINS

SPECIALTY GARDEN FILTRATION
FAUX ROCK
PATIOS & PAVERS WALKWAYS

LIGHTING
PUTTING GREENS