>> Carps are revered in Japan and Korea as the symbol of youth, bravery, perseverance, strength, and self-defense; all qualities much admired, especially in warriors.

>> According to legend, dragons are born from carp fish. It is said that the carp must swim over the Dragon Gate on China’s Yellow River, and then it will be transformed into a dragon. This legend is often used to illustrate perseverance, so dragon carp are often presented to students studying for exams (or anyone that is undergoing a personal trial) as lucky tokens.