CARPA....

As carpas ornamentais surgiram no Japão por mutação genética da carpa comum, originária da China. São símbolos de prosperidade e fertilidade. Também conhecidas como koi.

Segundo a lenda, a carpa tinha que atingir a fonte do rio que corta a China, o Huang Ho (Rio Amarelo), na época da desova. Para isso, tinha que nadar contra a correnteza e saltar cascatas até à montanha Jishinhan. A carpa que alcançasse o topo tornava-se um dragão.

Por causa dessa crença, acredita-se que as carpas subindo significa determinação para alcançar objetivos e superar dificuldades e a carpa descendo sgnifica objetivos alcançados, cumpridos. Algumas carpas tem 'cara de má', que seria a feição depois de transformar-se em dragão. Por isso, em hipótese, apenas carpas descendo poderiam ter essa aparência.

Então agora você já sabe, acarpa significa força, coragem edeterminação para enfrentar e vencer os desafios.




Koi Tattoo - What Does It Mean?

KOI TATTOO - Probably surprising to many westerners is the large of amount of ancient myth that surrounds these beautiful fish in the Orient and their elevated status there. Generally known here as the brightly colored fish that are common in public ponds and fountains, carp (koi is Japanese for carp) can be found in colors that include white, yellow, gold, a deep orange, and some are even calico-colored.

Particularly beautiful specimens have been known to fetch prices in excess of half-a-million dollars from private collectors who specialize in their breeding and showing. However, the koi is more than just a colorful and collectible fish. It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols – a beauty which belies its symbolic meaning. Although Chinese in origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, particularly for its manly qualities.

It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. This theme dates back to ancient China, where a legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

Eventually, the stoic fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it was appropriated for the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan where even today colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties.