Koi carp tattoo is a powerful symbol of fortitude and determination, looks aesthetically pleasing on a male or female body, and has a colorful or monochrome texture.
Read more about the meaning of the tattoo, legend, color scheme and the best place for application below.
Legends about carp
According to Eastern philosophy, there lived a dragon fish, an emperor, on earth. She swam across the Yellow River, reached the yellow river and, for her zeal, turned into a real dragon.
- According to another legend, carp was an inconspicuous gray representative of the marine environment.
- The Japanese began to consider the color of koi to be a divine sign.
For girls
Young women and girls apply carp as a symbol of family happiness. Pink carp is the color of innocence; fish of a more saturated shade will suit an older woman. The owner of such a tattoo is able to achieve a lot without anyone’s help, on her own. The tattoo looks great around the wrist, on the forearm. It is believed that great luck awaits its owner.
The idea of a tattoo of a pair of fish promises the owner a large family and a rich life. She will probably meet a wealthy betrothed. The sign of Pisces favors prosperity.
Interesting Facts
- Carp are trainable. In Japan, exhibitions are organized where fish are pets and follow commands.
- The oldest carp, Hanako, lived on the planet for 200 years.
- In Japanese culture, fish is a male symbol.
- For geishas, a tattoo serves as proof of the sincerity of feelings.
- Today 14 colors have been confirmed. Unlike goldfish, koi have whiskers on their lower lip.
- Koi are large fish and can reach up to 1 meter in length.
Who is a tattoo suitable for?
Carp, a tattoo originally of a masculine nature. In the Land of the Rising Sun, the design of a carp on a woman’s body is considered unacceptable; it can be stuffed for exceptional merit. This is because the originally golden Koi is associated with the energies of male fertility and strength. The energy of the sign is not suitable for soft and vulnerable girls, as it can cause a serious imbalance in the emotional state.
Koi tattoo is suitable for purposeful and strong individuals. It enhances the qualities of perseverance and toughness of character. It will fit perfectly into the life of a leader who leads people. If you want to dominate, conquer and set your own rules, carp is the perfect assistant.
Color spectrum
In Japanese culture, the meaning of tattoos varies according to color scheme.
- Red fish represent affection, a deep feeling of love.
- Black reminds us of the path we have taken to success.
- Blue is the embodiment of family and masculinity.
- Gold – good luck and wealth.
- White fish indicate that their owner is building a successful career.
- Black becomes a sign of future pleasant transformations.
Koi Tattoo Meanings
Japanese carp ranks first in popularity among oriental motifs in tattoos. This fish has more admirers than samurai or sakura. The frequency of tattoo orders competes with the eastern dragon.
Popular interpretations of carp:
- strength of mind;
- male fertility;
- leadership, power;
- longevity, immortality;
- imperial child;
- harmony;
- the joy of life;
- meditation;
- search for perfection;
- finding yourself.
The choice of this symbol is not accidental. The owner strives for perfection, tries to master his destiny. He is not afraid of difficulties; he makes his plans based on sober calculation and tactics. The tattoo is suitable for leaders and strong-willed individuals who are ready to defend their beliefs.
Carp tattoo meaning for men
Tattoos are considered traditionally masculine symbols. Carp brings power and confidence to its owner. This is a harmonious symbol of life at the junction of two worlds - land and water. The carp itself is considered a fiery symbol of the sun. This gives it a unique energy charge.
Interpretation of Koi tattoo:
- a charming and collected person;
- hero;
- good friend;
- leader;
- sense of humor with a dose of irony;
- control over the situation;
- energetic and calm person;
- enthusiasm;
- wealth;
- reliable father;
- undisputed leader.
Karp successfully helps in the lives of psychologists, journalists, businessmen, TV presenters, sports coaches and athletes. It is suitable for people who strive for independence. Strengthens the qualities of character that allow a person to surround himself with a caring society. Koi natives have a reputation for being reliable and loved by the group.
The meaning of carp tattoo for girls
Even among orthodox rules there are exceptions. In a new interpretation, the symbol is adapted for girls. However, there are limitations here, since the sign still carries tough masculine energy. This is a sketch for purposeful and balanced natures. Like men, tattoos are suitable for leaders and strong personalities.
The meaning of tattoos for girls:
- the desire to be the best;
- irreplaceable assistant;
- loving and faithful companion;
- mistress of her own destiny;
- calmness and self-confidence;
- optimistic character;
- passionate lover;
- wit and charm.
Sleeve tattoo, photo from:
For girls, drawing brings prosperity achieved through their own efforts. The brighter the tattoo, the more luck in financial matters it will bring. However, the main rule is to achieve success on your own without relying on circumstances or outside help.
Where is the best place to get a carp tattoo?
Men and women apply them to their backs and legs.
- If placed on the back, the image covers the shoulder blades.
- Volumetric compositions are placed so that the fish’s head points upward.
- If on the legs, use the ankles, thighs and shins.
- Women often apply them on their thighs and ankles.
- Men choose shins and front upper legs.
Where is the talisman placed according to Feng Shui?
You can place carp in almost any sector of Bagua, but the head of the fish should be facing the center of the home. In each zone, the magical image will have a special impact on the life of its owner:
- in the knowledge zone (northeast) you can place a single koi figurine or use the image of 2 carp jumping through the dragon gate;
- the southeast (wealth sector) serves to attract wealth, and it is better to place a single fish there;
- the zones of the southwest (love) and east (family) are suitable for a souvenir with a pair of lovers;
- north is the career zone, which is governed by the element of water, and the dragon-headed carp in this place will be especially strong and will bring good luck in achieving your goals;
- the west (creativity) and north-west (patrons and travel) are also favorable for placing a carp figurine and can enhance its influence on the life of the owner of the talisman, but in this case it is worth choosing a metal or metallic-painted figurine.
Koi talismans cannot be placed only in the southern sector, ruled by the element of fire. The sector is in charge of a person’s reputation, and with strong influence from it, it can suffer. If the energy of fire turns out to be stronger, then the tai figurine, installed in the sector for the purpose of strengthening the reputation or for some other reason, will remain a simple figurine. In the worst case, it will work in the opposite direction and lead to the destruction of your reputation.
Performance technique
The undisputed leader among carp tattoos are designs in the Japanese style. They are not only a beautiful body decoration, but also act as a talisman for their owner. Men should pay special attention to color: compositions with a predominance of fiery red shades will not suit them, since they are endowed with more feminine energy than masculine. It is worth considering a gray-black or yellow color scheme. A carp tattoo on the forearm, arm or leg will become a spectacular body decoration and will certainly attract the attention of others.
Trash polka style is an original option for lovers of non-standard solutions. Expressive broad strokes, the predominance of black and red colors are the main characteristics of such a tattoo. On the shoulder, the carp will look very stylish and unusual. You can look at photos of works and original sketches on the website to choose an option to your liking.
