The fish species thrive in natural bodies of water. They move freely. They seem to be less problematic.  In a universal sense, the fish symbolizes not only beauty but also the domineering abundance in terms of the natural resources. These fish species are known to be explicitly oblivious of the occurrences around them. Unless something or someone breaks into their solitude, they pose little concern to the world outside of their own spheres. Thus, everyone is given the idea that the fish does not stand for whatsoever consciousness that is typically embodied into the human beings. In a much stricter sense, the fish is able to swiftly move and glide smoothly, capable of leaping through the obstacles and the barriers thereby making them determined travelers of a lifetime.

Several myths surround the existence of the Koi fish. And a lot of symbols are also represented by the Koi fish. Through time, the Koi fish has earned its popularity among the Japanese people. It has also become one famous Japanese symbol. In truth, the Koi fish has a Chinese origin but then Japan preferred to celebrate its existence because of its many symbolic qualities.

The Koi fish is believed to bravely climb the waterfalls and to swim up any stream against the present current. On the other hand, if it is successfully caught, it simply lies on the cutting board without any movement as if waiting for the time that a knife will cut through its body less the quiver. This is very much unlike of the samurai soldier who faces his sword. Back in China, a legend says that the Koi had prosperously climbed the falls on the Dragon Gate situated on the Yellow River and that it had been transformed into a dragon after that. It is through such legend that the Koi fish became a symbol that stands for advancement and several worldly aspirations. Eventually then, the stoic fish came out to be relatively related to the positive masculine qualities as the stoi fish came to be borne in flags during the annual celebration of the Boys’ Day Festival in the whole of Japan.
 
Surprisingly, many westerners are hooked into the beautiful aura of the Koi fish that thrives in the Orient. The Koi fish is the Japanese name for the carp. This brightly colored fish is usually spotted in the fountains and ponds accessed by the public crowd. Yellow, white, deep orange, gold, and calico are the variations of colors of the Koi fish. Although the Koi fish can be usually found in these bodies of water, there are those special species of these that are the object of passion for collectors for breeding purposes. The price usually ranges up to half a million dollars! But they see the deed all worth it.

As for the direction to where the Koi fish is facing, it is widely believed by the Japanese personalities that a Koi fish that swims down symbolizes the act of overcoming the hardships that come along the way. Meanwhile, if the Koi fish swims up, it means that the obstacles have already been overcome. In some other beliefs, the Koi fish that is directed downwards while surrounded by the maple leaves emphasizes the fall season whereas the upward direction of the Koi fish with cherry blossoms all around indicates the spring.

Related links about this subject:

Koi and tattoos
Tattoos and koi are hand and hand.
www.tattoosymbol.com/articles/koi.html

Koi Symbols from Wiki
Wiki has some info about koi and tattoos.
http://wiki.answers.com

Koi the history
Learn about the mysteries of this fish.
www.absolute-koi.com/koi/index.htmls

Next: Koi Noburi