Koi are constantly swimming upstream and against the current because of this their image is used to represent strength, independence, perseverance, ambition and good luck. koi fish meaning chinese. Carp were considered a symbol of strength. (Eberhard, 1983: 106).Chinese mythology refers to those myths found in the historical geographic area of China.The geographic area of "China" is of course a concept which has evolved of changed through history. They thought that by eating fish, they, too, would be filled with wisdom. Koi Fish Meaning by the Chinese. One of the most popular New Year’s images is a child holding a large goldfish and a lotus flower (see Chinese Flower Symbols) which brings both wealth and harmony. Koi fish and goldfish are usually the favorite fishes that are depicted in the Chinese paintings. Koi Fish Feng Shui Use and Significance. Below a brief list: (t: traditional Chinese; s: - simplified Chinese - pinyin) Badger (獾 - huān) - great happiness Goldfish: This symbol means abundance of gold, making the Goldfish a popular symbol in the Chinese culture. The following are some of the meanings, myths, qualities and symbolism associated with koi fish: Tenacity Koi fish are known for their ability to climb rushing streams and waterfalls until they reach their destination. The carp or koi fish is the most popular fish motif found in Chinese culture and art (it is known as Koi fish to most Westerners). They are also an emblem of fertility. Fish are often eaten at the Spring Festival symbolizing a Chinese Beliefs, and Feng Shui. The carp is admired for perseverance against the current of the water and according to legends letters of the alphabet have been found on its insides revealing an epistolary capability. Since the Chinese pronunciation of fish is the same as that of another word meaning surplus, fish are often used as a sign of wealth or abundance. Fish are an important motif in Chinese mythology.There are various myths involving fish.The word for "fish", yu, is a homophone for "abundance" and "affluence". As discussed in more detail in hidden meaning of Chinese charm symbols and open work charms, the fish is one of the oldest of the traditional animal symbols in China. They’re adorned with bright colors that can include yellow, orange, gold, white, black, silver and a calico mix. Knowing the symbolic meaning of an animal will lead to understanding the hidden message of the pictured. In Buddhism, Fish is one of the 8 symbols for the enlightened Buddha (specifically a pair of golden fish). In China, fish serves as a great symbol of unity and fidelity and figurines are often given in pairs as a wedding gift to bless the newlyweds’ marriage. The carp is a powerful symbol of perseverance and strength. From the fish symbolism, ancient Celts interpreted meanings of inspiration, infinite wisdom, inspiration, and prophecy. As a result, on New Year’s Eve it is customary to serve a fish for dinner, symbolizing the wish for accumulations of prosperity and wealth in the coming year. In China, the fish represents wealth, prosperity and abundance, because the actual word in Chinese for fish, “yu”, is pronounced the same way as the words for superfluity, and also because fish are quite plentiful in waters and seas. The fish has always been one of the most widely used good luck symbols that is co-related to attract wealth and abundance in the Feng Shui world, because of the Chinese wording of fish (Yu) sound like “Surplus”, representing overflow of good fortune. Fish are a very important part of the ordinary diet of the Chinese, as fish rather than meat often provide the protein. More Fish Symbolic Meanings: The Chinese often give Fish as gifts, particularly Koi, for weddings as a symbol of devotion and a happy marriage. The word “koi” comes from Japanese meaning “carp”. In Chinese decorative arts, pictured animals are representations for various aspects of life. 8) Fish Symbolizing unity, fidelity, abundance, and wealth Fish in China are considered a symbol of luck in several ways. Koi fish, (carp), has a long history in China. The lower Yangzi river, in particular Jiangsu is known as the ‘land of fish and rice’ with its many lakes and rivers. The fish is a most beloved and preferred symbol in Chinese culture especially in art.