There are numerous superstitions surrounding fish and their deaths. Many people believe that when a fish dies, it is a sign of bad luck or a harbinger of upcoming misfortunes. This belief is prevalent in various cultures and has been passed down through generations. Whether you are an avid fish enthusiast or simply curious about superstitions, it is interesting to explore the different beliefs and the reasons behind them. In this article, we will delve into the world of superstition and unravel the truth behind the supposed bad luck associated with a fish’s demise.
Superstitions Surrounding a Fish’s Death
These are some superstitions linked to a betta’s death — and why they may or may not be true.
People will take your luck with them
A common betta myth is that if your pet dies, it will take your luck with it. The belief that a fish dying is a bad omen is especially true for goldfish.
In fact, the website Feng Shui Tips for Wealth says goldfish are meant to bring money and abundance to their owners. They’re also supposed to improve their owners’ energy. If they die, the fish will take that good luck with it. While bettas are similar to goldfish, they aren’t linked quite as closely to luck and fortune as their cousins.
It’s a betrayal
Some people say bettas can sense betrayal in their owners. If you get too close to a betta, it can feel like you’re smothering them or taking away their autonomy.
If your pet dies, it’s because you’ve betrayed their trust. While this is a superstition, it would be wise to learn more about your betta’s preferences to ensure they’re happy and healthy. In fact, there are a few ways to keep yourself from making these mistakes.
They predict the weather
They say the ocean holds many secrets. One of those secrets is knowing when lightning will strike.
When a pet fish dies in a bowl, it’s believed that the bowl will crack during an upcoming storm. It isn’t clear how this superstition originated or how much weight it holds today.
Their colors indicate your future
According to another superstition, a dying fish will predict the death of another animal before its time. One sign of sickness in bettas is their colors fading. If this happens, they’re saying that someone else is going to die relatively soon.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Fish
Throughout history the symbolism of fish has been more than just a superstition. It’s been representative of an entire era in human history.
Religious Symbolism of Fish
Religious significance of fish isn’t exclusive to Christianity.
In Hinduism, Matsya, the fish god, is a symbol of life and fertility. The god Vishnu assumed the avatar of Matsya to save the world from a great flood. Because ancient Hindu beliefs placed a high value on life, fish were revered in Hindu culture. They were worshiped in temples, and killing them was a serious offense.
In Judaism, fish are considered acceptable food because they have both fins and scales. This makes them kosher. The idea circles back to biblical stories, where fish served as a source of food for people and animals alike.
Historical Significance of Fish
The significance of fish in human history can be traced back to our very origins.
Fossils dating back millions of years are evidence of how long people have coexisted with fish. An important source of food and livelihood for early humans, it was only natural that these creatures would become part of humanity’s cultural narrative.
Through art and language, early people paid homage to the fish not only as providers but also as symbols of strength and perseverance.
Fish Symbolism in Modern Culture
The humble goldfish holds significant meaning in China. The Chinese word for “fish” shares a pronunciation with the word for “surplus,” making them symbols for a prosperous year.
Goldfish are also critical to Fish Releasing Day which occurs every year on Buddha’s Birthday in Hong Kong. This day serves to remind people that releasing captured animals is good karma.
To practice good deeds during this time, people release fish back into the wild. It is believed that this act will earn them more goodwill in their personal temples and households.
Fish also play a role in the ancient Chinese I-Ching wisdom book where they symbolize the yin feminine principle.
Environmental Significance
China is responsible for an estimated 65% of goldfish production around the world. They’re so prevalent that entire areas are devoted to breeding goldfish by the thousands.
But with increased production comes increased waste.
China’s goldfish farms produce over 6 million metric tons of waste per year. As this waste builds up and leaks into water sources, it depletes oxygen levels, leading to loss of biodiversity and harm to wildlife.
Scientific Explanations for a Fish’s Death
Overactive human brains have a tendency to assign agency to seemingly random events. This is why we see patterns in things that are entirely unconnected (like the number of letters in a person’s name and the number of times we’ve heard it recently). It’s also why we might think that a fish’s death means something much more than a biological event.
But unfortunately (or not, depending on your perspective), there is no scientific evidence to support the supernatural explanation. Here are some reasons fish have been known to die, many of which are entirely out of an owner’s control.
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Bacterial, fungal or other infections could be responsible for your fish running into problems. This could be due to your water quality, an injury or an illness. One of the most common causes of fish disease and death is poor water quality (another is improper handling when placing a fish in its tank).
Overeating
Yes, fish can die from overeating just like humans. Foods like peas and brine shrimp can help restore digestive regularity if you suspect your fish is suffering from bloating or digestion issues. It’s important to only feed your fish once or twice a day, and only what they can eat in a few minutes.
Mites
Fish mites are blood-sucking parasites that prey on live fish. They don’t usually become a problem unless you’re catching your own baitfish. So if you bought your fish at a store or online, you probably have nothing to worry about.
Parasites
Internal or external parasites are another common reason for a fish’s death. It can be difficult to diagnose this in live fish due to the symptoms being the same as many other illnesses.
Pollution
Pollutants in tap water can harm your tank if you don’t treat it properly before adding it to your aquarium. If you find out too late that something was wrong with your water, there’s always a chance that your fish could die as a result.
Rough handling
When transferring a fish from one body of water to another, it’s essential not to handle them roughly, especially if they’re small or delicate. This can lead to skin damage and other similar injuries, which may become infected and end up causing the fish’s death. This is why it’s important to be patient when trying to catch a fish and always leave it in the water when removing hooks.
Symbolic Meanings of Fish in Different Cultures
As a result of their association with luck and other positive superstitions, fish have different meanings and significance in various cultures. Here are some examples:
Christianity
In Christianity, the fish is associated with Jesus Christ and his teachings, as well as spiritual and divine elements. This association stems from the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The Bible tells of how during this time, he traveled to the Sea of Galilee to call on followers Peter and his brother Andrew as disciples.
As a result, the fish is a symbol of faith and divine love. It is also associated with Jesus’ teachings, such as when he said to his disciples: “I will make you fishers of men.” Over time, the fish became a powerful statement of faith.
China
The symbolism of fish in China is influenced by its pronunciation in Chinese. Because of its similarity to the word for abundance, the fish is a symbol for prosperity and surplus.
India
Fish are considered sacred in India because they are associated with holy men, such as Lord Vishnu and Matsya. As a result, Hindus believe that it is good luck to give away live fish during festivals.
Japan
In Japan, the carp is admired for its strength and courage. This is because it has an innate ability to swim against the current. In Japanese culture, parents give their children koi flags to signify their hope that their children will grow up to be strong and courageous individuals.
Greece
Fish are closely associated with Greek mythology. According to Homer’s Odyssey, the Greek sea god Poseidon has a palace made of coral at the bottom of the sea. There are similar references to Poseidon in other Greek literature. In particular, he is widely known for his trident, which he uses to bring fish out of the sea.
The Greeks believed that fish were a gift from Poseidon. As a result, many Greeks carry fish emblems in hopes of receiving good luck from them.
The Role of Fish in Folklore and Mythology
Fish have been a symbol of many different things to many different people throughout history. For the Ancient Greeks and Romans, fish were a symbol of Aphrodite/Venus, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. This makes sense when you remember one of the scientific names for fish is pisces – the zodiac sign that is commonly associated with those same attributes.
In Christian tradition, the fish is a sacred symbol for a few different reasons. According to The Bible, Christ fed 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14:13-21). As a result of this miracle, the fish became a symbol for Christians to recognize each other in times of persecution.
Another reason why the fish is a sacred symbol in Christianity has to do with its name. The Greek ichthys (the scientific name for the group of animals that include fish) is an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” In ancient Rome, some Christians would draw or etch out an ichthys to let others know they were also followers of Christ.
Despite all this rich history, there are some superstitions surrounding the death of a pet fish in homes today. Let’s dig into where those beliefs come from and why they likely occur.
Where Do Fish Superstitions Come From?
Good or bad, superstitions often have ties to how cultures or societies viewed something thousands of years ago. The modern-day superstition about pet fish dying likely has roots in ancient folklore and mythology.
Fish have been swimming leisurely since before humans were on the planet. As a result, they’ve been featured prominently in various mythologies and religious texts throughout history. They’ve been used as symbols in these texts as well. Since there are so many different types of pet fish available in stores today, it’s not surprising that these myths have made their way into modern-day culture.
There are countless myths and legends about fish from all over the world. For example:
- The first Chinese dynasty was said to be founded by the Yellow Emperor, who was given a pet dragonfish by his advisor. The dragonfish was said to be so magical that it could control water levels and generate rain. When it died (as all living creatures inevitably do), it was displayed as a symbol of mourning.
- The Phoenicians believed that fish communicated with the gods because of their ability to live both on land and in water. As a result, they believed that eating certain types of fish was actually forbidden or would bring bad luck.
- The ancient Sumerians believed that Enki was the master of all the seas and that he was associated with two divine idols – Amalthaias (a goat) and Galatura (a dragon fish). It’s not surprising then that in Sumerian folklore, killing one of these divine idols would bring bad luck because it would anger Enki.
Ways to Overcome Superstitious Beliefs
Are you currently feeling superstitious? Are you struggling to shake your negative feelings about certain superstitions? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most people have felt this way at some point in their lives. While getting over bad luck superstitions can be difficult, there are several ways to build a better frame of mind:
1. Look at the Cause of the Issue
If you’re feeling superstitious about something, think about what may have triggered this feeling. What has been going on in your life? Are there particular stressors or triggers? It’s important to pinpoint the root cause so that you can start working toward a solution.
For example, if you’re superstitious about Friday the 13th due to an accident that happened then, you may still have unresolved feelings about what occurred. By recognizing that this day may cause you some discomfort, you can take steps toward addressing your emotions.
2. Educate Yourself
For most people, superstitions are simply due to ignorance of the real cause. Take the time to learn more about what is behind a particular superstition. Doing so can demystify it and help you feel more at ease.
A lot of things that are considered bad luck are actually really common issues that people experience every day. Once you realize that another reason was behind a certain incident, it becomes easier to let go of the fear and anxiety caused by superstition.
3. Expose Yourself to Different Opportunities
Constantly avoiding a situation because it makes you feel superstitious does nothing but reinforce your beliefs. Instead of spending all of your time hiding from it, try building up courage by exposing yourself a little bit.
If you always feel like something terrible will happen on Friday the 13th, try doing something fun on this day to see if anything changes. You might be surprised at how much your attitude can impact your experiences.
4. Take Steps to Manage Stress
Fear tends to feed off other emotions, especially stress or anxiety. If you’re feeling superstitious because of fear, working on managing this emotion can also make a difference in how you feel overall.
A few relaxation techniques can help prevent your fear from spiraling out of control. Activities like yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises could all benefit your mindset overall so that superstitions do not hold as much power over you.
The Impact of Superstitions on Fishkeeping Practices
While I may not be a fan of superstitions myself, I am quite obsessive about my fishkeeping practices.
Whether I like it or not, I have a certain way of doing things. It’s what works for me and I know that my fish are healthy and happy in their current state.
The same goes for other fishkeepers, including those who follow superstitions.
Regardless of whether you are superstitious or not, it’s important to realize that a person’s beliefs are part of their identity. Trying to change them is nearly impossible and will only cause harm.
For example, my grandmother believes in superstitions more than anyone else that I know. They were ingrained in her for many years and she holds them near and dear to her heart.
It would be cruel for me to tell her that her beliefs are incorrect. And it would also be cruel for me to try to force her to change her beliefs so that she is no longer superstitious.
So if you come across a superstitious fishkeeper or group of fishkeepers, please understand that they have their own unique beliefs. While they may not work for you, they work for them and the last thing they need is someone telling them that their beliefs are false. It won’t help anyone so it’s best to steer clear of that situation altogether.
If you are a superstitious fishkeeper, it’s important to remember that your beliefs should never hurt your fish. If you believe that a certain type of fish is bad luck, don’t buy it! There are other types of fish out there that you can bring into your home without feeling any sort of negative way about them.
In the same vein, if you believe that certain actions will bring bad luck to your aquarium or kill your fish, avoid doing them at all costs! You can easily research different fishkeeping practices in order to avoid the ones that you believe will bring negative consequences.
Other Superstitions Related to Animals and Death
Sailors have a ton of superstitions surrounding animals to protect them during long, difficult journeys. For instance, rabbits, pigs, and naked women are all considered bad luck on a ship. Like with the caged bird superstition, many of the superstitions sailors have about animals stem from practical concerns. For instance, rabbits multiply quickly, which could lead to a ship overrun with too many rabbits. Pigs also frequently carry diseases that could easily spread to humans.
Chickens are another animal considered to be bad luck at sea because they actually put themselves in danger. Legend has it that if a chicken refuses to come out of its coop, there’s a storm coming. Unfortunately for the chickens, sailors believe that throwing them overboard means they can avoid the storm.
Many of the other superstitions about animals and death aren’t surprising. For example, many people worry when they see a dead bird in their yard or on their path. While dead birds in your yard are typically just a normal part of life, they can also be symbolic of bad luck or your future.
In general, if only one bird dies and it was alone when it died, you don’t need to worry about bad luck. However, if two birds die near one another or a flock of birds mysteriously die together or on your property, that could be cause for concern.
Other superstitions related to animals and death include:
- Dogs howling at night: This is believed to be an omen that someone is going to die soon
- Black cats walking across your path: This is one of the most well-known bad luck omens
- A dog howling with a cat: While this is just annoying for pet owners, it’s also seen as an omen of impending disaster
- Swallows landing on a boat on the high seas: This is an omen that land is nearby
- A robin flying into your house: This is believed to be an omen that someone close to you is going to die
- Fish leaping out of water: This is an omen of good weather
- Fish leaping out of water and turning somersaults: This is an omen of bad weather
Again, like with the goldfish dying superstition, many of these superstitions relate to common experiences people have from day-to-day life.
In conclusion, the belief that a fish’s death brings bad luck is deeply rooted in superstition and cultural beliefs. While some may wholeheartedly believe in these superstitions, it is important to approach them with a critical mindset. Fish, like any other living creature, have a limited lifespan and can succumb to various factors such as illness or old age. Instead of attributing unfortunate events to the death of a fish, it is more logical to understand these occurrences as part of the natural cycle of life. Ultimately, whether or not you believe in the superstitions surrounding a fish’s death is a personal choice, but it is always fascinating to explore the diverse cultural beliefs that shape our world.
