The symbolism of fish primarily revolves around two core themes: reproduction and abundance, from which various auspicious meanings are derived.

1.Reproduction and Proliferation

This is one of the oldest symbolic meanings associated with fish. Due to their prolific spawning and strong reproductive capacity, ancient people observed this phenomenon and regarded fish as symbols of vitality and flourishing families. For example:

The Joy of Fish and Water（鱼水之欢）: Metaphor for a harmonious, loving, and happy marriage.

Many Children, Much Blessing（多子多福）: Often combined with lotus in patterns like "连年有余" (Year After Year of Abundance) or "Fish Playing Among Lotus Leaves." These symbolize both wealth and reproduction, as lotus pods contain many seeds. The combination of fish and lotus represents the wish for many descendants.

2.Abundance and Surplus

This is the most widely recognized symbolism of fish, derived from phonetic associations.

Year After Year of Abundance ("年年有余"): The word for "fish" (鱼, yú) sounds like "surplus" (余, yú), symbolizing wealth and surplus food year after year, leading to a prosperous and peaceful life. The tradition of eating fish (especially carp or silver carp) during the Chinese New Year while leaving the head and tail uneaten embodies this wish for abundance in the coming year.

A Hall Full of Gold and Jade ("金玉满堂"): "Fish" (鱼, yú) also sounds similar to "jade" (玉, yù). The sight of goldfish swimming in a fish tank is called "a hall full of gold and jade," symbolizing immense wealth and outstanding talent or knowledge.

3.Opportunity and Success

The Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate: This legend originated from carp swimming upstream in the Yellow River and leaping over the Dragon Gate (located in present-day Hejin, Shanxi), after which they would transform into dragons. It symbolizes perseverance against adversity, courage, success in imperial examinations, career achievements, and social advancement. It serves as a classic motif encouraging hard work and determination.

4.Letters and Love

Fish Delivering a Letter: An ancient folk poem, "Drinking Water from a Great Wall Cave," includes the lines: "A guest came from afar, bringing me a pair of carp. I called my child to cook the carp, and inside was a letter." In ancient times, letters were hidden in fish-shaped wooden boxes, making "fish" a symbol of correspondence, love, and longing. A pair of fish represents deep affection between spouses or close friends.

5.Freedom and Harmony

Like Fish in Water: Metaphor for finding the most suitable environment or meeting a kindred spirit, embodying freedom and vitality.

Deep Affection Between Fish and Water: Often used to describe harmonious and inseparable relationships, such as those between the military and civilians or between rulers and their subjects.