Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Koi Fish

Colourful koi fish (Japanese word for fish) swimming gracefully in the pond. They are also commonly known as the Japanese carp. I could feel the serenity of nature and I simply love the way the fish are swimming in groups, yet so close together. My kids are delighted by the enchanting colours with its contrasting patterns. The bold colors of each koi makes the pond comes alive.

According to Japanese legend, if a koi succeeded in swimming all the way up the Yellow River to a point called Dragon Gate, it will literally transform into a Dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. They are now bred all over the world and Koi tattoos have also gained popularity in North America.

In chinese culture, it is believed that these symbolic fish brings good luck to the owners. As much as I would like to breed these fish, they can be highly prized and you need to dig deep into your pockets to stock a large pond with Koi. I guess I'll only consider these fish if I have got plenty of money to spare. :)


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First Commenter

38 comments:

  1. I didn't know that legend! Wow! Really? Once they managed to swim until the Dragon Gate they'll become a dragon? OMG! Now's really interesting.

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  2. You know what LR! I wanted to have my very own koi pond too. It's been like a mini dream to me. But too bad I don't have that kind of compound. Maybe in the near future. :D

    Anyway good morning LR! And this is surely one good WW!

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  3. I normally associate these fish with all those rich towkays....they believe these fish bring good luck isn't?

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  4. Thanks for the info on the legend. Didn't know about that before. :)

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  5. ah, i love the dragon legend, so beautifully written. :)

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  6. That looks like the perfect fishing hole;) Happy WW.

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  7. It's quite crowded. Very colourful!

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  8. Hi Tekkaus,
    Building a Koi pond is very pricey indeed. Poor planning will certainly cause it to be more expensive.

    i'm glad you like my contribution for WW. Good morning and Happy Wednesday to you.

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  9. precisely Mei Teng. it's a common belief to chinese culture and it's also an expensive hobby to undertake.

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  10. lina,
    i didn't know about this legend too until i came across an article on the website.

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  11. levian,
    it's an interesting story behind the legend indeed.

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  12. Dora,
    it's so cool to watch them actively swimming in all directions and playing with each other. :)

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  13. I love koi fish! As you said they are beautiful. I could watch them swim in their ponds for hours like I was hypnotized.

    And expensive?? Yeah!!! The only people I know with a Koi pond are lawyers with deep pockets. For now I will be happy with gold fish.

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  14. Koi fish are to say bring luck and fortune yep... which is why it is expensive because since you can afford it means you be reach to buy it and which means the fish brings you luck and fortune already haha..

    bleh~ but as fishes, they are gorgeous fish. I would love to have them not for the luck and fortune but cause they are beautiful.

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  15. Julia,
    i agree with everything you said. goldfish can be just as wonderful to feed and nurture.:)

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  16. ladyviral,
    i'd dearly love to have a koi pond in my backyard that is of my own design and construction. like you said, it's not for good luck but bcoz they are amazingly beautiful. :)

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  17. They say that having a KOI as a pet is lucky :)

    It became a trend here in Manila ;)

    Happy WW!

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  18. Joanne,
    yup, fish lovers certainly have a lot to say about the beauty and good luck charms. Happy WW!

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  19. Jams,
    thanks for visiting my WW. have a nice day.

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  20. I had a few shots of Koi fish too when I went to some Koi farm last year. It was a very nice feeling to see them swimming around in the big ponds.

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  21. I agree, those are really nice fishes. They swim so gracefully and each koi has uniquely different colours so it's a joy looking at them. Like you also say, koi are a good thing in feng shui and many chinese aunties and uncles I know also say that. :D

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  22. BK,
    yes, many would find it relaxing and joyful seeing the fish dancing beautifully in the pond.

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  23. JL,
    these days, many businessmen would keep a pond of them in their yards as they symbolize wealth and success. i wish i could have a koi pond but it will burn a deep hole in my pocket.

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  24. Great shot and a very interesting post.

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  25. That's a wonderful view. Those are gorgeous fish.

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  26. How about tigerfish? Can she be friends with Koi fish? ;p

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  27. i miss our kois at home =( we have a small pond for the grotto and we have kois and other fishes there

    goodnight! happy wednesday eve!

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  28. Koi are beautiful. However, they are basically giant goldfish. Goldfish can cost less than a dollar each, and they are carp, so they will get big if they have room. I put feeder goldfish in my water garden -- then I am not upset if a heron or a raccoon eats some.

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  29. I have a friend that keeps koi in her horse watering tanks to help keep them clean. They are becoming less expensive and more common in the midwestern US with the popularity of water ponds. I am definitely going to pass your koi legend along to my friend. Maybe she will name her next foal Dragon Gate so that the koi can swim up to it and be freed.

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  30. I thought this is Wordless Wednesday? How come still have words to describe the picture?

    Maybe you should name it Wordlesser Wednesday like Tekkaus? haha!

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  31. Nice koi fish! I like them but you are right - they are expensive!

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  32. hahaha Foong always ask the same ques; why so many words for Wordless Wednesday ...LOL!

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