The Fish Symbol: Meaning, Mythology & the Magic of Fish Jewellery
Fish have swum through human mythology, spirituality, and symbolism for thousands of years. From ancient goddesses to Buddhist teachings, from Christian catacombs to the stars above us, the fish is one of the most enduring and universally beloved symbols in the world. And it's no coincidence that we keep returning to the fish as a motif in our jewellery — there's something about its form that feels both ancient and timeless.
The Fish in Ancient Mythology
Long before Christianity adopted the fish as one of its most recognisable symbols, the fish held deep sacred meaning across the ancient world.
In Mesopotamia, the great god Enki (later Ea in Babylonian tradition) was associated with water and fish. His priests wore fish-skin cloaks as a sign of divine connection. Fish were offerings to the gods, symbols of abundance, and representations of the deep, unknowable waters from which all life came.
In ancient Egypt, fish were sacred to Hatmehit, a goddess of protection whose name literally means "Foremost of the Fish." The Nile was the lifeblood of Egypt, and the fish that moved within it were seen as messengers between the world of the living and the divine.
In Greek and Roman mythology, fish were closely linked to Aphrodite (Venus) and her son Eros. The goddess of love was said to have transformed into a fish to escape the monster Typhon — and from this the constellation Pisces was born.
The Fish in Buddhism
In Buddhism, the fish is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols (the Ashtamangala). Golden fish — always depicted as a pair — represent happiness, freedom, and fearlessness. They swim freely in the water without fear of drowning, symbolising beings who practise the dharma without fear in the ocean of suffering.
This is a meaning we carry deeply at Mirabelle. Several of our fish pieces are inspired by this Buddhist tradition — the idea that the fish swims as it likes, free and unafraid.
The Ichthys: The Christian Fish Symbol
Perhaps the most widely recognised fish symbol in the Western world is the Ichthys — the simple outline of a fish used by early Christians. The Greek word ichthys means fish, but it also forms an acrostic: Jesus, Christ, of God, Son, Saviour. During Roman persecution, Christians would use the fish symbol as a secret sign of faith, solidarity, and hope.
Pisces: The Star Sign of the Fish
In astrology, Pisces (19 February – 20 March) is the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac — depicted as two fish swimming in opposite directions. It is ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams, intuition and the subconscious.
Pisceans are said to be deeply empathetic, creative, and spiritually attuned. The two fish swimming in opposite directions represent the Piscean tension between the spiritual and the material world — pulled always between two currents. Fish jewellery makes a beautiful and meaningful gift for any Pisces in your life.
Fish as a Symbol of Abundance & Good Fortune
Across many cultures — Chinese, Japanese, Celtic, and beyond — fish are symbols of prosperity, good luck, and abundance. The word for fish in Mandarin Chinese sounds identical to the word for abundance, making fish a universal New Year and celebration symbol. In Feng Shui, fish are believed to bring wealth and positive energy into the home. A fish charm worn close to the body is said to attract good fortune, flow, and fertility.
Our Fish Collection at Mirabelle
We have long been drawn to the fish as a symbol — its freedom, its grace, its ancient sacred meaning. Here are some of our favourite pieces:
Articulated Fish Charm — British Made
One of our most special pieces — hand made in Britain, articulated so it moves beautifully as you wear it. On a 60cm satellite or simple chain, it's a true statement piece and a labour of love.
Shop the Articulated Fish Charm →
Celestial Fish on Long or Short Semi-Precious Rosary Chain
Our Celestial Fish sits on a hand-strung semi-precious rosary chain — available in jade and sapphire or long amazonite. Inspired by the Buddhist golden fish symbol. From £69
Shop the Celestial Fish on Rosary →
Celestial Fish on Simple Short Chain
A more everyday version of our celestial fish — in plain gold or with a chrysoprase cabochon stone. Part of our Fair Trade Collection.
Shop the Celestial Fish on Chain →
Angel Fish Charm with Labradorite on Short Satellite Chain
The Angel Fish with its shimmering labradorite cabochon — a stone of transformation and intuition, a perfect pairing with the spiritual symbolism of the fish. £70
Shop the Angel Fish with Labradorite →
Angel Fish Charm with Green Onyx on Short Satellite Chain
Green Onyx is a stone of strength and wisdom — paired with our delicate angel fish charm in 22ct gold plated brass.
Shop the Angel Fish with Green Onyx →
Rosary with Tiny Fish Charm
A delicate and devotional piece — a moonstone or green onyx and turquoise rosary with a tiny fish charm pendant. £50
Shop the Rosary with Fish Charm →
Why We Love the Fish Symbol
At Mirabelle, we believe jewellery should carry meaning. The fish is one of those rare symbols that transcends any single culture or tradition — it belongs to all of us. It speaks of freedom, abundance, faith, the deep unconscious, and the flow of life itself.
Whether you're a Pisces, a lover of mythology, someone drawn to Buddhist symbolism, or simply someone who finds the fish beautiful — we hope one of our pieces finds its way to you.
All Mirabelle Jewellery is handmade with love in our London studio, using 22ct gold plated brass and ethically sourced semi-precious stones.
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