The fish is an ancient symbol that is found in many cultures and has lots of meanings. There is a great variety of these elegant water creatures, and their beauty is a great source of inspiration for art. All this makes fish tattoos very popular. Let’s look at their common meanings and some design ideas.
Symbolism in Different Cultures
In the course of history, many cultures have come up with their own understanding of fish tattoos.
- The Japanese associate depictions of fish with strength, bravery, and endurance. If a fish is swimming against the current, it might signify strength of character.
- In China, the fish means rebirth and is believed to help attract good fortune and wealth.
- According to some peoples of Africa, fish embody souls of the dead.
- Indians view it as a symbol of a union through marriage.
- Buddhists associate these water creatures with enlightenment. They think that fish help to resist temptation.
- The fish was a sacred symbol in Ancient Greece.
- In Christianity, the fish has become one of key symbols. The first persecuted Christians used it to recognize each other. Nowadays, it is seen as a manifestation of the love of God.
In general, a fish tattoo can have the following meanings: strength, wisdom, prosperity, abundance, and sexual energy. The meanings can differ for men and women, depending on the fish species, details and other imagery in the design.
Fish tattoos can be placed anywhere on the body. Small designs can decorate ankles, wrists, forearms, or the neck. Large-scale sketches are placed on the back, chest, shoulders, arms, and thighs.
For Women
For women, fish tattoos often represent fertility, flexibility, grace, and strength. Another meaning can be aloofness and estrangement from the world. A sketch depicting two fish swimming towards each other or in opposite directions might express the harmony between what’s on the outside and on the inside.
The color scheme also matters.
- Fish in dark colors represent a mysterious personality that keeps to themselves;
- A light and bright fish speaks of liveliness, high spirits, and a positive attitude to life.
For Men
What can a fish tattoo on a man’s body mean? Here are some possible interpretations:
- sexual strength;
- perfect health;
- a bright personality;
- balance between the physical and spiritual, if the design depicts two fish.
Keep in minds that the meaning of your particular tattoo will depend on details of the design.
Popular Tattoo Designs
Yin Yang Fish
This symbol represents the dual nature of life, the male and female nature. The main meaning of such a tattoo is the harmony and dueling sides of all things, striving for and maintaining balance. This imagery is for strong personalities who want to seek improvement and can keep their desires in check.
Koi Fish
The koi fish is a special symbol in the art of tattooing. Its meaning depends on the Eastern culture the design takes inspiration from.
For the Japanese, the koi fish body art is a demonstration of exceptional willpower and determination. This stems from the unique capabilities of this fish: it can swim against a strong current and travel without rest for a long time. Such a tattoo is meant to ensure longevity, achievement of goals, and success in overcoming difficulties.
The koi fish is also associated with male energy: assertiveness, leadership, and stubbornness in defending one’s own interests. Plus, it is believed to help attract good fortune.
In China, the koi fish is respected as the king of all fish and signifies superiority, a domineering character, ambition, and support from higher forces.
Buddhists interpret this imagery in their own way, focusing on independence and bravery.
A pair of koi fish represents a harmonious union between man and woman. A design featuring nine fish means that the wearer wants to attract wealth. For women, a color tattoo of a koi fish can represent hearth and home.
Goldfish
The interpretation of a goldfish tattoo is directly linked with its appearance and magical properties in legends. This body art especially appeals to women. Some of the properties attributed to goldfish include:
- fulfillment of wishes;
- pursuit of excellence;
- beauty and elegance.
Shark
An intimidating and fearless shark is a common pick of men. A shark tattoo can signify the following:
- business acumen;
- uncompromising attitude, decisiveness;
- fury, relentlessness;
- undeniable leadership.
Fish Skeleton
This is one of the oldest imagery in this form of body art. The meaning of a skeleton tattoo depends on the design:
- A fish skeleton resembling an arrow manifests goal commitment and decisiveness. The spine represents the life journey and other bones stand for years, experience, and the flow of time.
- Wanderlust, love of an active lifestyle.
- Sincerity and openness, refusal to wear masks.
- A flowery and unusual design speaks of defiance, fearlessness, and a strong character.
- Evolution and development.
Pisces
The meaning of a tattoo depicting the constellation Pisces coincides with the traits attributed to people born under this zodiac sign. Pisces are defined as calm and kind people who strive for comfort and who can put others’ interests before their own.
On the other hand, Pisces are also known as people with a weak will who can easily back down from challenges and who just go with the flow. However, there is certain wisdom in this. Pisces take life as it comes, with its joys and woes, ups and downs.
The main interpretation of the Pisces tattoo is its wearer’s ability to focus on what’s important, make the right decisions, and deflect negativity. Designs featuring two half-moon fish facing each other and linked by a perpendicular line signify a strong unity of the opposites, balance, and harmony.
Another interpretation of this body art tells about a person’s considerable creative capacities and the desire to express their personality without limits.
A tip from a tattooist: if you opt for a zodiac sign design, pick the color scheme with care. Pisces is the last constellation of the zodiac and is associated with the end of a life cycle and transition between worlds. It’s better to give preference to light colors to avoid negative connotations in your tattoo.
Fish tattoos are one of the most versatile in the art of tattooing. Check out beautiful works in our photo gallery and choose a sketch that suits your personality and goals.
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