The Koi Fish Legend
There are many ancient legends involving the koi Fish.At Windsor Fish Hatchery we find the koi so interesting and love to share with you the myths and legends. The oldest of the legends is the story of when Chinese philosopher Confucius was born a son in 533 B.C., King Shoko of Ro presented to him a magoy, a black carp, as a gift. According to this legend, all modern day koi, and their bright colors, are from the magoy given to Confucius by the king.
The legend says the Chinese then raised the koi in their rice patty fields to be used for food, especially during the long winter months, and not for pets. The Chinese then passed on their knowledge of raising koi to the Japanese. Raising koi in ponds began in Niigata, Japan during one particularly harsh winter.
Niigata Koi
During this very harsh winter, Japanese farmers in Niigata could not fish and could not sustain any crops. As a result, the farmers began building ponds in which to raise koi in order to feed their families. During this time, many farmers began noticing different color mutations on the skin of the newly bred koi. So they carefully chose the most beautifully colored fish and bred them in separate ponds to keep as family pets.Koi continue to be bred as pets and enjoyed for their wonderful coloring. Today, there are over 100 different color types of Koi Fish. At Windsor fish hatchery we bred 12 different varieties of Koi each year.
What Do Koi Fish Symbolize?
Learning it's history helps to answer the question, "What do koi fish symbolize?". By knowing koi's long history, you can more easily understand why Windsor fish hatchery and people all over the world revere this beautiful fish so deeply.
General Symbolism
Many of the attributes of the koi symbolize several lessons and even trials individuals often encounter in life. The koi fish has a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream. Some of the characteristics associated with the koi include:
- Good fortune
- Success
- Prosperity
- Longevity
- Courage
- Ambition
- Perseverance Come and visit Windsor fish hatchery 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday and feed the koi, its very relaxing to just sit on the side of the pond and watch these very large and beautifully colored koi swim.
Windsor fish hatchery 752 George st South Windsor.
