Awesome Koi fish Japanese back tattoo!

Koi Tattoos and their Various Meanings:

The koi fish can be interpreted in different ways. You should know that a koi tattoo with the fish swimming upstream and one swimming downstream has different meanings. Also, a simple koi fish in water has its own meaning. A koi fish tattoo with running water symbolizes courage, the ability to attain goals and to overcome life's difficulties. When the fish is depicted to be swimming upstream, it can symbolize that the person who has got the tattoo, is still struggling with his problem. On the other hand, if it is depicted swimming downstream, it implies that the person has already overcome his difficulties. It also means love for the opposite sex or longing for a specific person. This love can be described as 'romantic love' or 'passionate love'.
In Buddhism, koi represents fearlessness and courage. The koi is considered to be very brave because when a koi fish is caught it does not quiver like other fish. It just lies on the cutting board, staring and waiting for its fate. This trait of bravery and fearlessness is compared to the samurai warriors. It is the beauty and charm of the koi fish that has made it a popular symbol for family, especially in Japan. Even today, on Children's Day in Japan, tubular flags with a koi on it are raised, in which each fish resembles a family member. A black koi stands for the father, flame red for the mother, blue and white koi for the boy and pink and red for the girl. Thus the fish can be thought of as a symbol for family strength and unity.

The koi fish also represents the following:

• Power
• Strength
• Perseverance
• Bravery
• Good luck
• Passionate love
• Independence
• Masculinity
• Friendship

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/koi-tattoo-meaning.html