Why do paintings with koi carp have only 9 of the koi carp in them?
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 at
1:43 pm
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The Meanings and Values of Nine Kois
It has long been the custom of Eastern Asians to offer a Koi figurine or Koi picture to couples who gave birth to a son (today this tradition extends to both son and daughters because of the new economy of two income earners.). This tradition comes from the observation that Kois which come from Carps can swim upstream which represents Determination and downstream which represents Flexibility (downstream) – an ability to adapt and harmonize with the environment. Therefore, children who possess both characteristics are deemed to be very successful in his life-long journey. Therefore, offering of Nine Kois is considered as one of the best Wishes and most meaningful gift one can give. It is liking to wish that “Your Child will be very successful in life” – because he posess these two secrets of Success – Determination and Flexibility” –
The meaning of “Nine Kois” goes beyond the story of Success and Harmony, but also extends to Luck, Wealth and Protection. This is because the number nine represent Luck in the Chinese Culture. If you pay particular attention to the Nine Koi Art, you’ll see that the King of all Kois (Yellow with Red dot in the head – which, by the way represents the owner of this painting and his family members) are well protected by his eight loyal Generals. Two of them leading the way and paving the road ahead, which signifying that the future is bright, while the other two’s are looking backward to ensure no ill-attempts chasing from the past – or let the ill spirits of the past be gone. And the remaining four Generals are always surrounding the King to protect him – signifying the Well Being of Presence. Hence, Protection, Success, Harmony and Luck are the main offerings of this “Nine Koi” Artwork. Furthermore, “surrounding ourselves with most talented and integrity people” is the number 3 criteria of success.
These are the reasons why most Asian Homes and Businesses hang paintings of Nine Kois. The number 9 represents Lucky and Koi pronounces as “Yu” which means “Always Abundance” Together all of these reasons explain the reason why today there are so many Koi hobbyists and over ten thousands Koi Clubs Worldwide!
The value of 9 as a mystical number. 3X3. Plus artistically odd numbers are more interesting than even.