Many homeowners love the look and tranquility of their koi pond, but many are unaware that koi breeding has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the 18th century. While the exact origins of the koi pond are currently unknown, experts believe that the koi carp evolved in Western Asia. The koi carp at this time was largely grey and dull in color—nothing like the orange, white, and black patterned koi we know and love today. The koi carp exhibits exceptional survival abilities and can thrive in a number of temperatures and environments. Thus, the fish eventually made its way to China and Japan.
In the mid-18th century Niigata Prefecture of Japan, rice farmers realized that koi carp contained high levels of protein and began breeding them to sustain their families through the winter. After decades of breeding, farmers began to notice that some of the dull, grey fish had mutated to show red, white, and orange blotches on the bodies of the carp. Farmers then began segregating these fish and breeding them with other mutated koi—thus creating the patterned koi we see today. In the 19th century, many koi breeders took their prized fish to Tokyo to exhibit, with thousands flocking to see the “patterned jewels” of the water.
The word “koi” is a derivative of the Japanese word “Nishikigoi,” which translates to “brocaded carp.” In Japanese, the word “koi” means “love,” “affection,” or “friendship,” and the playful fish are seen throughout Asia as symbols of love and good luck. In China, small koi ponds are often built as a part of feng shui to fill the home with luck and prosperity. The process eventually made its way to the west, and now people all around the world breed and keep these hardy fish as a hobby.
If you love the look and tradition of the koi pond, why not have one installed right in your own backyard? The in-ground pool contractors serving Bucks County, PA, at Anthony Landscapes can utilize the unique shape and composition of your property to install a koi pond that’s all your own! Give us a call today at 215-876-3111 to get started with a free estimate from Bucks County’s leading landscape company.