Hand dyed and hand painted silk scarf Koi is a homophone for another word that means “affection” or “love” in Japanese; koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan among many other symbols. Koi are becoming a universal symbol of peace all over the world. By the Heian period (794-1185), koi fish were already popular and kept by nobles in Japan. Koi symbolize strength, courage, patience, and success through perseverance. As koi can grow very large and live a long life, they have become a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
