Lucky Fish Ornament: The lucky carp fish is a commonly seen visual pun because the Chinese character for carp (li 鲤) is pronounced the same as both the character (li 利) for "profit" and the character (li 力) for "strength" or "power". The carp, and a lucky fish ornament, is also a symbol for an abundance of children because it produces many eggs. A pair of carp symbolizes a harmonious marriage. A frequently seen image is of a carp swimming and leaping against the current of a river to reach the spawning grounds. This refers to the legend (liyutiaolongmen 鲤鱼跳龙门) that a carp which is able to leap over the mythical "Dragon Gate" will become a dragon. This is an allegory for the persistent effort needed to overcome obstacles. The Chinese character for the lucky fish (yu 鱼) is pronounced the same as the Chinese character for "abundance" or "surplus" (yu 余). The fish symbol is, therefore, frequently associated with other symbols and Chinese characters to symbolize the wish for "more" in the sense of "more" good luck, good fortune, long life and children. (Please see images at Ancient Chinese Fish Charms and Chinese Open Work Charms.) As an example, to express the wish for "having more happiness year after year" a charm may use the Chinese character 年 (nian) for year, and also include a picture of a fish, a lotus and a magpie. The fish (yu 鱼) represents "more" (yu 余). The character 莲 for lotus and the character 连 meaning "in succession or one after another", as in expressing year after year, are both pronounced lian. The magpie (xi que 喜鹊) is pronounced the same as happiness . So the fish, lotus, magpie and the Chinese character 年 (year) together would have the implied meaning of "more" "happiness" "year after year". Because of its reproductive abilities, the fish also represents fertility in marriage. These enameled, fully-jointed Carp (lucky fish) symbolize abundance, prosperity, and perseverance. The Chinese word for carp translates to English as profitable or rewarding. Carps symbolize success in business, and are also good for taking exams or any other measure of accomplishment. Blue Enamel Lucky Fish (Carp) Fully-Jointed Ornament is 3". |