Koi fish have been a symbol of good fortune and luck in Japanese and Chinese culture for centuries. Their vibrant colors and large size have made them a popular fixture in ornamental ponds and water gardens around the world. But when it comes to luck, not all koi are believed to be equal. Some colors of koi are thought to be luckier than others.
Meaning of Koi Fish Colors
The color of a koi is one of its most distinguishing features. Koi come in a spectacular array of colors and color combinations. Here are some of the most popular koi color meanings:
- Red – Symbolic of love and emotional attachments. Also associated with success and career achievement.
- Black – Considered a symbol of great adversity that has been overcome. Also thought to promote prosperity.
- Blue – Believed to bring peace, calmness, and tranquility.
- White – Represents purity, innocence, and cleanliness.
- Yellow – Associated with gold and wealth. Also symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.
- Orange – Considered the color of happiness, optimism, and family togetherness.
Now let’s look at some of the specific koi color patterns believed to be the luckiest.
Kohaku – Red and White
One of the most classic and popular koi patterns, Kohaku koi have a white body with large red markings on their back, head, and fins. These fiery red patches are thought to energize and activate good fortune. The white background represents purity and harmony. Together, they symbolize success in career and family matters.
Taisho Sanshoku – Red, Black, and White
Taisho Sanshoku koi combine the lucky colors of red, black, and white on a single fish. The white base represents enlightenment. The red markings symbolize passion and vitality. And the black accents are believed to empower and protect. These koi are thought to promote overall life balance and satisfaction.
Showa Sanshoku – Black, Red, and White
Another variety combining the three auspicious colors of black, red and white, Showa Sanshoku koi have a black base color rather than a white one. The red and white markings contrast vibrantly against the black background. It’s believed that the black color absorbs negative energy, the red actively generates luck, and the white purifies. Together, they promote profound renewel and rebirth of fortune.
Asagi and Shusui – Blue Koi
While less common than the red, black and white koi, blue koi are thought to bring their own kind of luck. Asagi koi are a solid light blue color, evoking tranquility and calm. Shusui koi have a deep blue color on their back that fades to a lighter shade toward the belly, symbolizing vibrant energy emerging from serenity. Both types of blue koi are associated with academic success.
Ogon – Yellow Koi
Ogon koi are a metallic yellow or gold color. Their shining golden hue is believed to usher in financial luck and prosperity. These fish supposedly “swim in a sea of gold,” ready to share their wealth and abundance with their owners.
Goshiki – Five Colors
Goshiki means “five colors” in Japanese. True to their name, these koi display a mix of five colors – red, black, blue, yellow and white. It’s believed that by combining the lucky attributes of all five colors, Goshiki koi are able to spread good fortune across many aspects of life. No area gets left out of their reach!
Kumonryu – Black Koi
Kumonryu koi are jet black in color. Their scales have a unique metallic sheen that makes them appear to change colors as they turn in the light. Kumonryu represent overcoming adversity through inner strength and resolve. They are believed to inspire perseverance and determination, empowering their owners to overcome life’s obstacles.
Do Lucky Koi Colors Bring More Fortune?
When it comes to luck and fortune, koi color meaning and symbolism provide intriguing insights. While koi have significance across all colors, some hues are thought to activate specific types of luck. Combining several lucky colors on one fish creates an amplified effect.
But in truth, all koi represent good fortune. They are admired for their beauty, resilience, and longevity. Their presence brings tranquility and peace. Ultimately, their lucky symbolism stems from centuries of legend and fable more than any innate metaphysical property.
Caring for Your Lucky Koi
If you’re considering adding some lucky koi to your home water garden or pond, be sure to research how to properly care for them. Here are some tips:
- Choose an adequate-sized pond – Koi can grow over 3 feet long and need at least 200 gallons per fish.
- Maintain proper water quality – Test and change the water regularly. Effective filtration is key.
- Feed a quality koi diet – Select a food that matches the fish’s size and nutritional needs.
- Control pond algae and plants – Balance sunlight and nutrients to prevent uncontrolled growth.
- Treat disease promptly – Recognize and quickly treat any signs of illness.
- Protect from predators – Keep pets away and use netting to deter wildlife.
While koi are relatively hardy fish, caring for them properly ensures they remain healthy to bring you luck and enjoyment for many years.
Fascinating Koi History & Lore
Some interesting background on the history and cultural legends surrounding lucky koi fish:
- Koi originated from common carp in Central Asia and were later bred for color variations in Japan and China.
- One legend states that koi climbed China’s Yellow River and were rewarded by being turned into dragons, inspiring their association with ambition and achievement.
- In another tale, koi are rewarded for persistence and determination by being immortalized as one of the seven gods of fortune in Japanese mythology.
- The Kohaku variety is named after a Japanese folk hero whose armor bore the red and white colors of the koi.
- Koi keeping became a prestigious hobby among Japanese aristocracy during the 18th-19th centuries.
- High-quality koi are still prized collector’s items, with the most expensive selling for over $1 million!
Koi have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries through the symbolism, meaning, and legends attached to them. Their beauty, hardiness, and colors continue to make them prized fish worldwide.
Koi Fish Color Meanings Summary
Here’s a quick summary of some of the luckiest koi fish colors and patterns:
| Koi Variety | Colors | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Kohaku | Red & white | Success in career & family |
| Taisho Sanshoku | Red, black & white | Life balance & satisfaction |
| Showa Sanshoku | Black, red & white | Renewal & rebirth of fortune |
| Asagi & Shusui | Blue | Academic success |
| Ogon | Yellow/gold | Financial luck & prosperity |
| Goshiki | Red, black, blue, yellow & white | Good fortune across all aspects of life |
Conclusion
When it comes to koi fish color meaning, no hue inherently guarantees luck or fortune on its own. Rather, the symbolism and significance underlying the colors, patterns, and legends is what inspirationally fuels koi’s lucky reputation worldwide. With their captivating looks and cultural appeal, koi will likely continue spreading beauty and uplifting spirit for centuries to come.