The Tsuru (crane) is one of the most commonly used symbols of long life in Asian legend and art. The Chinese consider the tsuru “the patriarch of the feathered tribe”. In Japan, the tsuru is a sacred bird that is said to live 1,000 years. If it lives 2,000 years it then turns black. The Japanese red crested crane (grus japonensis) is most famous as the symbol of peace and long life. They also symbolize marital love and fidelity because these cranes are monogamous, pairing for life.

The kame (turtle synonymous with tortoise) is said to live 10,000 years and is one of the four celestial guardians (dragon, phoenix, tiger and turtle) of Chinese mythology. Symbolic of long life, the kame represents the water element, the yin principle, the northern region and the color black. The turtle is also called the “Black Warrior”, a symbol of strength, endurance and longevity. The turtle has great significance in many ancient cultures of the world.

Symbolically, the koi is of great importance and represents strength, perseverence, endurance and courage. From China comes the legend of the “Dragon Gate”, a sacred place at the top of the longest, steepest waterfall on the rivers with the strongest current. The fish strive to pass this gate by leaping upriver against the current. Once they arrive at the base of the waterfall, exausted from battling the strong current, they must leap up the waterfall to pass through the gate.