Koi fish are associated with positive imagery. Because of the dragon legend (which we discuss below), they are known as symbols of strength and perseverance, as seen in their determinative struggle upstream. Because of the lone koi that made it to the top of the waterfall, they are also known as symbols of a destiny fulfilled. Resulting from its bravery in swimming upstream, the koi is oftentimes associated with Samurai Warriors in Japan.
In Chinese, “Carp” is similar sounding to the word “business”. It is also homophonic with “profit” or “advantage.” “Fish” is homophonic to “surplus” or “wealth”. Koi are therefore considered symbolic of good fortune in business.
Gold koi symbolize prosperity and wellbeing in business.
Whether it be good fortune, longevity, perseverance, or courage, the koi fish encompasses it all.
The Legend behind the Koi:
“Many years ago, in a time before recorded history, a huge school containing thousands of koi swam up the Yellow River. The colors of their well-muscled bodies flashed in the sunlight making them seem like a million living jewels.
All was going well until the koi reached a waterfall. Immediately, a large number of them grew discouraged and turned back, finding it much easier to simply go with the flow of the river. Yet, a determined group of 360 koi stayed on. Straining and leaping, each koi strove to reach the top of the falls.
Again and again, they flung their bodies into the air only to fall back into the water. All this splashing noise drew the attention of the local demons who laughed at the efforts of the struggling koi. Adding to their misery, the demons sadistically increased the height of the falls. Still, the koi refused to give up!
Undeterred, the koi continued their efforts for one hundred years. At last, with one heroic leap, a single koi reached the top of the falls. The God’s smiled down in approval and transformed the exhausted koi into a shining golden dragon. He joyfully spends his days chasing pearls of wisdom across the skies of the vast and eternal heavens.
Whenever another koi finds the strength and courage to leap up the falls, he or she too becomes a heavenly dragon. The falls have become know as the Dragon’s Gate, and, because of their endurance and perseverance, koi have become symbolic of overcoming adversity and fulfilling one’s destiny. “