Lucky Fish in Feng Shui
Fish in Chinese Culture
Although some Westerners balk when they see an entire fish lying on a plate but a fish served whole is a symbol of prosperity in China. The words for abundance and fish are pronounced the same in Chinese (yu), and because of this the fish is considered to be the symbol of wealth in Chinese culture. It is customary to the Chinese to serve the whole fish last at a banquet.
Fish also symbolizes marital happiness, harmony and reproduction because fishes multiply rapidly and sometimes swim in pairs. People placed messages in the bellies of the fish according to the legend and thus the fish has also been regarded as the symbol of communication with a distant friend or loved one. In the Buddhist religion, fish is an important symbol and it is also among the auspicious signs on the Footprints of Buddha. Fish on the Buddha footprints signifies freedom from all restraints.
Koi Fish and Goldfish
The Feng Shui master will normally suggest that in order to bring prosperity and good luck to the home, then we should include paintings of fish in the home decor. In order to express the wish of having more happiness, fish always painted with lotus and magpie in Chinese culture. The magpie symbolizes happiness, the Chinese character for lotus means “in successionn or one after another” and the fish represents “more”. Koi fish and goldfish are usually the favorite fishes that are depicted in the Chinese paintings.
The carp or koi fish is the most popular fish motif found in Chinese culture and art (it is known as Koi fish to most Westerners). The word “koi” comes from Japanese meaning “carp”. The carp is a powerful symbol of perseverance and strength. The legend behind the carp recognizes the fish for its bravery and strength because it swims against the current. The whiskers and scales of the koi fish resemble that of a dragon. Many people also place a decorative piece of twin goIden carp swimming on top of gold coins in their homes. During the Chinese New Year festival “lucky money” will be given out in red envelopes (called “hung-pao”) decorated with a carp and peach as well as pine trees (which symbolizes long life). Koi fish have many different colors, the major colors includes black, white, yellow, red and cream colored.
Symbolism and Meaning
Many paintings depicting carps (or a carp) jumping over a wave can often be seen. This is supposed to represent success, it symbolizes the ability of a man to reach a better, higher level, or according to folklore, the carp is ascending to the dragon’s gate.
The goldfish symbolizes abundance of gold. A child holding a large goldfish and a lotus flower is one of the most popular images during the Chinese New Year. Many people embroider a goldfish on a shirt or bag to bring the energy of abundance into their life. An actual goldfish in a tank is regarded as having the same effect as a painting of goldfish in Feng Shui. Round objects such as tank help chi energy to curve around buildings and rooms.
Three fish symbolizes “yang” energy, people often use two goldfish (which represent energy and good luck) and one black fish (representing protection). Some people also use nine fishes – eight golden or red and one black. The number eight represents prosperity. The black goldfish is used as protection, if misfortune hits your family, this ninth goldfish will die and receive the misfortune instead of you. Some geomancers place a tank of black goldfish at an inauspicious place to ward off bad influences. You can also supercharge the fishbowl with 9 fake or real gold coins. The best number of coins to use is a multiple of 9. Nine is a powerful number that represents culmination and completion. Sprinkle the coins on the gravel bed of the aquarium.
The southeastern corner of your home is the best place to place your fish because that area governs your cash flow as well as your creativity or confidence. The north area (north represents water) and living room of the house is another favorable place to position the aquarium. Fish tank should not be placed in the center of the house as this will cause one being “burned” with problems. A fish tank in the south is also not advisable as it clashes with fire element (south represents fire) unless your aim is to weaken the fire element. The best shape for the aquarium is circular, you can use rectangular shape as an alternative but avoid square shaped aquarium because it clashes with the water element.
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