Writing about carps may sound a little uncommon, but I happened to visit Shirotori Garden when I was in Nagoya last summer. A Japanese-styled garden, I was lucky to be able to capture the most beautiful carps with my trusty Nikon B700. To be exact, it was on 1st June 2019, quite a peaceful Saturday. Slightly drizzling, we were lucky that the rain stopped soon after. Just to add on a hint of creative touch, I have went on to edit the photos and surprisingly they turned out like (unusual) paintings! It was a discovery. In the second of the Picture Words [PW] Series, I shall allow these “picture paintings” to do most of the talking. Come on, let’s get started!
The Koi fish is known to symbolise perseverance and strength, displayed by their ability to swim upstream and against currents. Hence, this is probably my favourite piece of all. It is a reminder of standing firm in the face of adversity, overcoming challenges and a symbol of never give up! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
Besides perseverance and strength, the Koi fish also represents good luck, good fortune and success, as well as courage and ambition. ✧٩(•́⌄•́๑)
You may not know, but the Koi fish has a Chinese legend behind it, where most of its symbolism stated above is derived from. In the myth, a Koi fish swam upstream against all the odds to arrive at a mountain top. There, it lies the “Dragon Gate” whereby passing the gate, the Koi fish became a dragon. This is also famously coined as the Chinese idiom, 望子成龙 wàng zǐ chéng lóng (which represents a parents’ wish for their children to have a bright future). Source 1 | 2
I was also lucky to be able to capture a few instances of Yin Yang Koi fish. In theory, this represents harmony and happiness where two opposing energies come together and create a perfect balance. I’m in love with these lovely carps! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)
Shirotori Garden is only a 7-minutes walk from Jingunishi Station. You can easily take the Meijo Line from Kanayama Station. [Address: Shirotori Garden, 2-2-5 Atsuta Nishimachi, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-0036, Japan]
And this about sums up my carps story for the day. I hope you find this a refreshing and interesting read. ^^
If you like what you’ve just read and would like to see more of such writing, let me know by giving this post a like!❤ If not, do take a look at this. It’s a different kind of writing that maybe you’d like. Cheers!
xoxo
Ao Kuma @ Tough Fluff 
Leave a comment