In Japan, the Koi (Carp) is considered a symbol of happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. In China, it symbolizes strength, courage, perseverance, ambition, and determination. Fish swimming up the Yellow River in China must go through a series of waterfalls called the Dragon Gate. Those that manage to overcome the obstacles are transformed into mighty dragons and go on to live for eternity. Legend says the only fish that achieved that feat is the Koi (Carp). There is a saying in China, "Koi leaps the Dragon Gate," that allegorizes the ambition and perseverance of scholars who take the Imperial exams, coming out victorious in the end.
In Japan, the Koi (Carp) is considered a symbol of happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. In China, it symbolizes strength, courage, perseverance, ambition, and determination. Fish swimming up the Yellow River in China must go through a series of waterfalls called the Dragon Gate. Those that manage to overcome the obstacles are transformed into mighty dragons and go on to live for eternity. Legend says the only fish that achieved that feat is the Koi (Carp). There is a saying in China, "Koi leaps the Dragon Gate," that allegorizes the ambition and perseverance of scholars who take the Imperial exams, coming out victorious in the end.