Why not 8 or 10 since 8 and 10 are auspicious numbers in Chinese words.
8 has the same sound as the word prosperous and the word 10 has the meaning of complete or perfect.
Chinese use 9 to represents the 5 elements and the 4 directions which combine to give a balanced condition.
The 5 elements are Gold, Wood, Water, Fire and Soil and the 4 directions of course is East, South, West and North.
Koi varieties that represent the 5 elements are as follows:
Gold:
Ginrin - koi has sparkling or shiny golden scales & Kin Matsuba (literally
golden pine needles,' for individual, glittering scales appearing like raised markings)
Wood:
Chagoi - a brown color koi which is a very important element to create a balanced environment.
Water:
Asagi or Shusui - are predominantly blue on their back like flowing water.
Fire:
The fiery color of the big three - Kohaku, Sanke and Showa represents this popular element.
Soil:
Hariwake, Hikarimono & Ki Utsuri with yellow color represent this element.
Koi varieties that represent the 4 directions are as follows:
East:
The direction of the raising sun. This is best represented by the Tancho variety with the pattern of a round raising sun of the morning.
South:
A place of heat and warm which can be represented by the Red on the big 3.
West:
The color of the setting sun which is represent by Hi Utsuri & Ochiba.
North:
A place with white snow and mono color is best represented by the popular Shiro Utsurimono and Bekko variety with distinct Black & White color.
To complete the whole collection, you may want to bring the 4 seasons into your house:
Spring:
A season when all the flowers start blossoming. A Sanke with some beautiful flowery patterns will bring you the beauty of spring. No wonder this is the most popular variety in Eroupe.
Summer:
A season of heat and warm which can be represented by the Red on the big 3.
Autumn:
Nothing can match the unique Autumn leave pattern of the Ochiba.
Winter:
A season with white snow and mono color is best represented by the popular Shiro Utsurimono variety with distinctive
From Sir Ramil Dy of Cebu Koi Keepers
