Fish Tattoo Designs

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To truly explore fish tattoo designs they must be divided into koi fish and all other fish.  In general, water holds a symbolic meaning of depth of knowledge and dealing with the subconscious.  Water houses an endless mystery and represents things that are there but cannot always be seen.  Although there are numerous species of fish they hold prime symbolic meanings of eternity, fertility, creativity, femininity, good luck, knowledge, transformation and knowledge.

To learn the history of fish tattoo designs they must be looked at geographically.

Grecian-Roman – The fish was sacred in mythology.  It held a meaning of transformation and change.  An example of this is in the myth of the Heroes and Aphrodite when they all turned themselves into fish to escape the ferocious Typhon.

Pagan – In Pagan traditions, the fish served as a symbol of feminism and fertility.  Water is considered a natural flow from the Divine Mother so fish, being creatures of water are part of the female deity of power.

Eastern Indian – In ancient Indian mythology a fish symbolized creation and transformation. This is represented in the myth where Vishnu changed himself into a fish to save the world from a flood, guiding selected boats to safety.

Christianity – Fish tattoo designs are common among Christians as they serve as a symbol of faith and abundance.  Man is represented to be a fish and the ocean is an abyss of sin.

Celtic – Fish, primarily the image of salmon, dealt with inspiration, wisdom, prophecy and knowledge.  Celts believed that salmon received their wisdom from eating sacred hazel nuts found in the Well of Knowledge and eating salmon would also give them great knowledge.

China – The fish is a symbol of fidelity and unity since they are often found swimming in pairs. Fish are often given as wedding presents for this reason.  They also are a representation of abundance and fertility due to the fact that they can reproduce in volume and speed.

Buddhism – The fish is a symbol of freedom and happiness.  It is also included in eight sacred Buddha symbols being lotus, conch, wheel, parasol, knot, banner of victory, vase and a pair of golden fish.

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The magical realm of the respected koi fish puts them in their own special category and makes them the most popular type of fish tattoos.  They can take your imagination into a fantasy land by their fluid motion and elaborate colors.

The Japanese symbolism of the koi fish is categorized specifically to their attributes so koi tattoo colors  are as symbolic as the fish itself.

Ogon – Platinum koi fish represents a fulfillment in wealth due to success in business.
Yamabuki – Gold koi fish symbolizes gold, prosperity and wealth.
Kumonryuu – Midnight black koi fish is named after the Japanese dragon of transformation as a symbol of bringing a positive change in life.
Kuchibeni – White and red koi fish that has a white body and red around its mouth inspires loving and long lasting relationships.
Kohoku – White and red koi fish with a white body and red on its head is to encourage career advancement.

Charlize Theron – Actress and her mother have matching koi fish tattoos.Ryan Malone – Professional hockey player has a koi fish among the Japanese symbols.Alexander McQueen – Fashion designer has his koi fish on his chest.Caroline Murphy – Model displays her koi on her hip.Chester Bennington – Linkin Park singer has a koi fish tattoo.Daniel Cohn -Australian rugby player shows of koi in his full sleeve.Janine Lindemulder – Adult film star proudly shows off her koi on her chest.John Mayer – Musician displays a koi on his right shoulder.

Click Here For an Elite Portfolio of Award Winning Fish Tattoos

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