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Koi, or -goi, is Japanese for carp. Black Koi originated in Persia and was first found described in a Chinese book written during the Western Chin Dynasty (265-316 AD). Japan's black Koi breeding for food by rice farmers, was recorded as early as the 17th Century in the Niigata region NW of Tokyo, where they kept them in their rice paddies.
A great respect for the fish evolved and between 1820-30, Koi breeding for color became a competitive pastime in the Japanese peasant farming community and the fish came to be referred to as living jewels. Known for their hardiness they can live long lives, with an average of 25-30 years. They hear quite well and respond to their owner's voices enhancing their value as a national ornamental pond fish, not only in Japan but throughout the modern world. The Japanese are recognized as the creators of Nishikigoi (Nishiki means "brocaded") the mascot fish of Japan, giving great value to their new colors of red, white, blue, gold and black.
It was not until 1914 that the colored Koi were seen outside of Niigata when some were sent to the Great Tokyo Exhibition and others were sent as a gift to the Emperor, to be kept in the Imperial Palace moat. I can personally attest that, to this day, this magnificent fish can be seen swimming in those protective waters.
This spirited fish, full of energy, strength and fearlessness has been seen fighting its way up swift running streams and cascades, overcoming obstacles along the way. The Japanese have chosen to bring this appropriate symbol of the Koi into their cultural designs both in ceramics and fabric, touching daily aspects of their lives. Boys Day and Koinobori from mid-April to mid-May encompassing Boys Day, on the fifth day of the fifth month, paper or cloth Koi banners and windsocks are flown from homes and public places to celebrate the male children in a family and the changing season into spring. Boys wear kimono decorated with Koi to encourage manliness and, thereby, overcome life's challenges to attain consequential success, good luck and fortune. A noble fish with a noble cause.
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