Are Goldfish More Than Just Pets? – Exploring Their Lucky Charm
Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered why goldfish are among the most popular pets in the world? One reason is because believe them to bring good fortune and prosperity to the homes that take care of them. The design of these fish is also quite popular in use as charms and pendants to those who can’t really raise them as pets.
But how did this all come about? Let’s find out.
Where Did Goldfish Come From?
Goldfish, well-known and loved aquarium pets, have a history stretching back over a thousand years. They first appeared in East Asia and were domesticated in China during the Tang Dynasty, around 618 to 907 AD. These fish came from the Prussian carp, a grayish-brown fish native to that area.
Chinese nobles originally raised them in ponds, selectively breeding them for bright colors, especially gold, which is how they got their name. By the Song Dynasty, from 960 to 1279 AD, goldfish were common in decorative ponds and water gardens across China. Keeping them in indoor containers or bowls started in the Ming Dynasty, from 1368 to 1644 AD, beginning their role as household pets.
Over time, selective breeding created many different breeds and colors of goldfish. They spread to Japan, Europe, and other parts of the world, becoming one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish everywhere.
History of Goldfish as Lucky Symbols
For over a thousand years, these shimmering creatures have been symbols of luck and wealth, with roots tracing back to ancient China. Their vibrant golden colour, considered beautiful and valuable, quickly linked them to ideas of prosperity and good fortune. The Chinese word “Jinyu,” which combines “gold” and “abundance,” further solidified their role as emblems of wealth and plenty. During Chinese New Year, they became especially popular as a symbol of good luck for the year ahead.
This belief spread beyond China, with people across Asia viewing these graceful fish as lucky charms. In Japan, families often kept them in household ponds, believing their peaceful swimming brought calm and encouraged the flow of good fortune.
As time went on, their symbolism spread across the globe. Today, people all over the world keep them in aquariums and ponds at home or in businesses, not just for decoration but to attract positive energy and luck. The enduring popularity of these golden fish as symbols of prosperity highlights their deep cultural and historical significance.
Symbolism of Goldfish in Various Cultures
Various cultures consider fish to bring good luck. That’s why many religions have a certain admiration and even near worship for the animal. Fish has been a recurring animal in Christianity, with the fish being an early symbol for Christ.
In Buddhism, it’s said that after Buddha’s enlightenment, two golden fish were offered to him. These fish represent the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers in India and symbolize living fearlessly, joyfully, and abundantly.
1. In Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, people view these vibrant fish as symbols of luck, partly because their quick reproduction represents abundance. In Feng Shui, the word for “fish” sounds like “abundance,” further deepening this belief. Their connection to luck dates back to the Tang Dynasty, where they first originated. People often confuse them with koi, which are larger and better suited for ponds, but these smaller, graceful swimmers typically thrive in aquariums.
Their golden color symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Their smooth, flowing movements are believed to bring positive energy into the spaces they inhabit. Feng Shui recommends keeping eight in an aquarium to attract positivity, with at least two to encourage harmony in relationships. Adding a black one is thought to ward off bad luck.
Originally, these fish were more golden than orange, but in ancient China, only the royal family could own gold-colored items. As a result, common people bred orange varieties to enjoy their lucky symbolism while respecting the royal restriction.
2. In Japanese Culture
Chinese traders introduced these beautiful fish to Japan, bringing with them the belief that they symbolize good fortune, wealth, and harmony. The Japanese embraced these ideas, adding their own twist—believing that the fish also bless couples with not only harmony but children as well. In Japan, they’re most often seen in striking red and black hues. The red ones are said to bring luck, while the black ones help ward off misfortune.
They’ve also become an important part of Japanese culture, especially during summer festivals and religious holidays, where the popular activity of fish scooping takes place. In fact, there’s even a national competition for this tradition! While the exact origins of this practice are unclear, many enthusiasts believe it helps forge bonds between people and teaches children the importance of being gentle and polite.
3. In Europe
Europe also has not been spared from the trend of lucky goldfish. In the 1620s, goldfish became a popular gift for the first-year anniversary of a married couple, especially for Southern Europeans. The belief was that the couple would be blessed with good fortune and with children.
General Meaning and Symbolism of Goldfish
Goldfish have carried meaningful symbolism across different cultures for centuries. Known for representing wealth and prosperity, this belief comes from their golden colour and the similarity between the Chinese words for “fish” and “abundance.”
People believe that keeping a pair of these fish promotes harmony within relationships and families. In Feng Shui, people place eight fish in an aquarium to bring positive energy into a space.The black variety holds special significance in both Chinese and Japanese traditions, with many seeing it as a protector against bad luck.
These fish also symbolize fertility and abundance because of their rapid reproduction. People often keep or gift them as a blessing or wish for couples to have children.
Goldfish in Art and Literature
These vibrant fish have long been popular in art and literature, symbolizing a range of emotions and ideas. In Chinese and Japanese art, they often appear in serene pond scenes, representing beauty, calmness, and the harmony of nature. Asian brush paintings frequently feature them as symbols of wealth and good fortune, especially in art celebrating the Chinese New Year, where they serve as signs of abundance.
During the Impressionist period, Western artists like Henri Matisse captured these creatures in bright aquariums, using them to represent domestic peace and life’s simple pleasures. In literature, they often take on deeper meanings, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life. Anton Chekhov explores this theme in his story “The Goldfish,” while modern tales and children’s books often use the fishbowl to symbolize feeling trapped and the desire for freedom.
The enduring presence of these fish in both art and literature comes from their ability to inspire reflection and wonder, making them timeless subjects in creative works across different cultures and eras.
Goldfish in Jewelry and Fashion
Not everyone can take care of goldfish at home. That’s why most people are content with wearing the symbol of goldfish as charms, pendants, and even patterns for clothing. Below is a list of the editor’s top picks featuring the goldfish symbol.
Amazon.com
There is a trend where goldfish patterns and images are depicted on all kinds of clothing. There are also those who’ve used the actual shape of goldfish in creating quirky bags to bring good luck.
A goldfish is also a pretty popular pattern for tattoo artists and enthusiasts. Some women particularly love inking goldfish onto their skin because of its minimalist design. Others get it in an “irezumi” style tattoo, which is a style for goldfish tattoos popular in Japan.
Goldfish in Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice focused on aligning people with their environment, goldfish represent good luck and wealth. People believe their bright colors and smooth swimming bring positive energy, or ‘Chi.’ Gold or yellow ones are especially lucky, symbolizing wealth. Feng Shui suggests keeping nine in an aquarium—eight gold or red for prosperity and one black to absorb negativity.
Positioning an aquarium in certain areas of a home or office can enhance various aspects of life. For example, placing a tank in the wealth area (southeast) increases financial luck, while setting it in the career area (north) improves job success.
Their graceful swimming balances the energy in a space, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Caring for them fosters responsibility and focus.In Feng Shui, they are not just decorations; they are tools for achieving balance, harmony, and positive changes in life.Goldfish in Modern Culture
Wrapping Up
Although, the concept of goldfish as lucky symbols is much more popular in Asian cultures because of the influence of Feng Shui, in general, goldfish have become a favorite pet and a positive symbol around the world. Their natural beauty and grace make them a joy to have around and the added symbolism is the icing on the cake.
