Have you wonder why Chinese like to keep 9 koi in their ponds?
Why not 8 or 10 since 8 and 10 are auspicious numbers in Chinese words. 8 has the same sound as the word prosperous and the word 10 has the meaning of complete or perfect.
Chinese use 9 to represents the 5 elements and the 4 directions which combine to give a balanced condition.
The 5 elements are Gold, Wood, Water, Fire and Soil and the 4 directions of course is East, South, West and North.
Koi varieties that represent the 5 elements
Gold:
Ginrin - koi has sparkling or shiny golden scales & Kin Matsuba (literally 'golden pine needles,' for individual, glittering scales appearing like raised markings).
Wood:
Chagoi - a brown color koi which is a very important element to create a balanced environment.
Water:
Asagi or Shusui - are predominantly blue on their back like flowing water.
Fire:
The fiery color of the big three - Kohaku, Sanke and Showa represents this popular element.
Soil:
Lemon Hariwake, Kigoi and Ki Utsuri with yellow color represent this element.
Koi varieties that represent the 4 directions:
East:
The direction of the raising sun. This is best represented by the Tancho of different varieties such as Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Sanke and Tancho Showa with the pattern of a round raising sun of the morning.
South:
Referring to South of China, a place of heat and warm which can be represented by the Red on the big 3.
West:
The multiple colors of sunset which is represent by Hi Utsuri, Goromo & Goshiki
North:
A place with white snow and mono color is best represented by the popular Shiro Utsurimono and Bekko variety with distinct Black & White color.
To complete the whole collection, you can bring the 4 seasons into your house:
Spring:
A season when all the flowers start blossoming. Sanke and Showa with some beautiful flowery patterns will bring you the beauty of spring. No wonder these 2 varieties are the most popular varieties in Western countries.
Summer:
A season of heat and warm which is well represented by the Red on the Kohaku.
Autumn:
Nothing can match the unique falling Autumn leave pattern of the Ochiba.
Winter:
A season with white snow and mono color is best represented by the popular Shiro Utsurimono variety with distinctive Black & White color. The longer night of the winter can also be represented by Hajiro, a unique "Feng Shu" Koi with white tips on the fins.
You will be very fortunate if you can have all of them, the complete range in your pond. The Living Jewels!
Why not 8 or 10 since 8 and 10 are auspicious numbers in Chinese words. 8 has the same sound as the word prosperous and the word 10 has the meaning of complete or perfect.
Chinese use 9 to represents the 5 elements and the 4 directions which combine to give a balanced condition.
The 5 elements are Gold, Wood, Water, Fire and Soil and the 4 directions of course is East, South, West and North.
Koi varieties that represent the 5 elements
Gold:
Ginrin - koi has sparkling or shiny golden scales & Kin Matsuba (literally 'golden pine needles,' for individual, glittering scales appearing like raised markings).
Wood:
Chagoi - a brown color koi which is a very important element to create a balanced environment.
Water:
Asagi or Shusui - are predominantly blue on their back like flowing water.
Fire:
The fiery color of the big three - Kohaku, Sanke and Showa represents this popular element.
Soil:
Lemon Hariwake, Kigoi and Ki Utsuri with yellow color represent this element.
Koi varieties that represent the 4 directions:
East:
The direction of the raising sun. This is best represented by the Tancho of different varieties such as Tancho Kohaku, Tancho Sanke and Tancho Showa with the pattern of a round raising sun of the morning.
South:
Referring to South of China, a place of heat and warm which can be represented by the Red on the big 3.
West:
The multiple colors of sunset which is represent by Hi Utsuri, Goromo & Goshiki
North:
A place with white snow and mono color is best represented by the popular Shiro Utsurimono and Bekko variety with distinct Black & White color.
To complete the whole collection, you can bring the 4 seasons into your house:
Spring:
A season when all the flowers start blossoming. Sanke and Showa with some beautiful flowery patterns will bring you the beauty of spring. No wonder these 2 varieties are the most popular varieties in Western countries.
Summer:
A season of heat and warm which is well represented by the Red on the Kohaku.
Autumn:
Nothing can match the unique falling Autumn leave pattern of the Ochiba.
Winter:
A season with white snow and mono color is best represented by the popular Shiro Utsurimono variety with distinctive Black & White color. The longer night of the winter can also be represented by Hajiro, a unique "Feng Shu" Koi with white tips on the fins.
You will be very fortunate if you can have all of them, the complete range in your pond. The Living Jewels!
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