Significance of Fish
Synonyms: Seafood, Marine life, Pisces, Aquatic animal
In Dutch: Vish; In Malay: Ikan; In Finnish: Kalastaa; In Spanish: Pez; In German: Fisch; In Swedish: Fisk; In French: Poisson; In Portugese: Peixe; In Italian: Pescare; In Polish: Ryba
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fish'
In Buddhism, "Fish" symbolizes various concepts. It can represent creatures facing suffering and fear, victims of deceit, or a permissible food source. Fish also embodies folly, fleeting desires, and the perceived sin of eating. Moreover, it signifies a character illustrating a wife's desires and the act of compassion.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The fish came along amorously toying with his wife, and the fishermen caught the fish, and the Bodhisatta saved the fish and threw it back into the water.[1] (2) The creatures in the pond that the crane attempts to trick and eat through deceit.[2] (3) The type of food served to the ascetic, used as a means to point out the perceived sin of eating.[3] (4) The creature caught by fishermen who laments its situation due to its fear of being seen as unfaithful to its mate.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Aquatic animals considered permissible for dietary consumption by monks.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) A type of soft food included in the list of five kinds of meals.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The fish is a character, a form taken by the charioteer, used to illustrate the woman's folly and the fleeting nature of her desires.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Fish'
In Hinduism, "Fish" carries diverse meanings. It represents food, potentially causing digestive issues or part of a treatment plan. It also symbolizes Lord Hari's form, abundance, sensory engagement, and is an avatar of Vishnu, signifying protection and rescue.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This is the form assumed by Lord Hari before he struck the powerful conch demon on the back.[8] (2) an aquatic animal that can symbolize abundance or fertility in the context of the text.[9] (3) refers to aquatic creatures included in the list of items, symbolizing abundance or prosperity.[10]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An aquatic animal used metaphorically to represent a feeling of displacement and struggle in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable environment.[11] (2) These are creatures that inhabit a large body of water and are unable to perceive a celestial body that is above them.[12]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The text specifies this animal as part of the aquatic animals, and its flesh in general is heavy, hot, sweet, strengthening, roborant, curative of Vata, unctuous, aphrodisiac and is said to be highly unconducive to health.[13] (2) These are aquatic animals, and their presence is considered a consequence of the enraged condition of Vata, affecting the environment and the oceans.[14]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is a type of food that should be avoided by the patient, and it is a part of the dietary restrictions aimed at managing Vicharchika, according to the text.[15] (2) This is a type of food mentioned as a factor that can contribute to Vidagdhajirna.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Marks of this, along with a goad, lotus, discus, and plough-share on the soles and palms, are auspicious signs for women, as the text describes.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Lakshman states that without Rama's arm to save them, he and Sita would be like fish deserted by the wave.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A creature that sought protection from Manu, eventually revealing itself as a divine entity and providing instructions for survival.[19]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Fish is one of the animals whose biles are used for bhavana along with goat, hog, buffalo and peacock biles; they are dried, confined in a blind crucible, and heated for twelve hours.[20] (2) Fish is incompatible with butter, clarified butter, milk, meat, and sweets, meaning these combinations should be avoided for optimal health.[21] (3) Aquatic protein source that is part of the recommended diet in the treatment plan.[22]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) This is a form that a character takes after the cock, and dives into the water.[23]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The fish symbolizes a being that is tied to the senses, representing sensory engagement with the environment.[24]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) One of the avatars of Vishnu, symbolizing protection and rescue.[25]
The concept of Fish in local and regional sources
The text defines "fish" through multiple lenses: a Hindu incarnation, caught creatures used in a scheme, a food source, an expense item, astronomical figures, indicators of water depth, a Dashavatar symbol, the Pisces zodiac sign, a child's origin, a girl's transformation, and a character.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Fish jump and play in the fields, suggesting a vibrant and thriving ecosystem brought about by the positive influence.[26] (2) The aquatic creatures that were being observed, leading to the narrator questioning if the fish were bored and wondering what the fish do besides swimming around.[27] (3) The aquatic creature's contortions and movements within the water body allows for understanding the extent of the water's depth, providing insight into its vastness and the nature of the environment it inhabits.[28] (4) The first incarnation in the Dashavatar, symbolizing the emergence of life from water.[29]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text refers to fish as a food item that is sometimes part of a balanced diet, and is also a chief food of the wealthy classes of Europe and America.[30] (2) This is an expense item in the accounts, representing the cost of purchasing fish, implying a food-related expenditure.[31] (3) The first incarnation of the Hindus, as stated in the text.[32]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A Ghasi girl found a living child inside the belly of the fish she caught, and she decided to adopt it after finding the child.[33] (2) The aquatic creatures that the man caught, and were later used in a scheme involving the fish heads to subtly convey a message and cause conflict.[34] (3) The bonga girl turned into a fish at the bottom of the pool, and the fish sang throughout the process of being killed and cooked.[35]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Fish is the English translation of Mina, and it represents the sign of the zodiac known as Pisces, and the same as the Skt. Mina, which refers to Pisces.[36]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The text discusses the meaning of "fish" in astronomical contexts, where they are described as lenticular figures that are used in methods of finding directions.[37]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The man went to the sea to catch fish and was entangled in nets laid by ferry-boat men.[38] (2) A character who was the reborn dead man that rescued the Prince from drowning.[39]
The concept of Fish in scientific sources
Fish is explored through several facets: its use in immunotoxicology studies, as a food source rich in nutrients, and as a species sensitive to pollution. It's also examined in relation to parasites, dietary recommendations, and microplastic contamination. Additionally, it's mentioned in the context of alpha-gal allergies.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Several studies analyze various aspects related to "fish", including heavy metal contents, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the impact of pollution on their health and antioxidant systems.[40] (2) Fish, whether fresh, dried, or shellfish, is an animal-based food; fish and flesh meat ranked highest among the consumed animal-based food groups.[41] (3) The provided information includes fish, which are aquatic organisms such as Snake-Head Catfish, Striped Bass, and Guppy, and are studied to assess the toxic effects of substances like chloride on their survival.[42] (4) It represents a significant alternative protein source to wild animal meat, but its promotion as a replacement requires improved management of domestic fisheries to ensure sustainability of stocks.[43] (5) It is a type of aquatic animal. The provided material discusses the impact of habitat, river rehabilitation and other characteristics on the species.[44]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The Velhas river is being rehabilitated for them in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.[45] (2) Fish is considered a food source and an ecosystem service, and its capture is monitored to assess the impact of overfishing on the marine environment.[46] (3) This refers to aquatic animals harvested for consumption, an important part of the food chain and affected by increasing requirements.[47] (4) It was a smaller part of the traditional diet, accounting for only 8% of caloric intake, but was still a significant food source.[48] (5) It represents a source of protein for human consumption, with aquaculture providing a valuable alternative to wild-caught options.[49]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) A method using fluorescent-labeled probes to visualize chromosomes, permitting the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences in preserved chromosomes, cells, and tissues.[50] (2) This refers to a specific food item which was found to have no significant association with the occurrence of colorectal cancer in a study.[51] (3) This is an aquatic animal, and microplastics are detected in some commercial fish species, which may pose potential health concerns.[52] (4) This is a technique used to visualize specific DNA sequences on chromosomes.[53] (5) Fish is a rich source of animal protein that is also low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which improves muscle mass, performance, and physical fitness.[54]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) An aquatic organism that can be highly affected by endosulfan altering their physiology, behavior, metabolism, endocrine, and defense systems.[55] (2) The immunotoxicology of nanoparticles in fish is being studied to understand potential adverse effects on their immune systems.[56] (3) Fish are aquatic vertebrates that are sensitive to environmental changes and are often used to assess pollution impacts.[57]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is recommended to be consumed instead of red meat as part of a healthy diet.[58] (2) This is a dietary component, and the study assessed the frequency with which participants consumed this in their daily diets, which was associated with localized, low-grade and non-metastatic disease.[59]
From: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
(1) The organisms that can be definitive, intermediate, or paratenic hosts in the life cycles of many parasites, which can affect the marketability of the fish and raise public health concerns.[60]
From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
(1) This is a type of food that does not contain the alpha-gal epitope, so it is tolerated by individuals with the alpha-gal allergy, and is considered safe to eat.[61]
Classical concept of 'Fish'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The fish was too large, and the seagull consumed it, which subsequently caused the seagull's gullet-bag to rupture, leading to the bird's demise on the shore.[62] (2) Aquatic animals that a specific character brings home in a container, representing the result of his work and forming a valuable part of a trade.[63] (3) Creatures expected to be attracted by melodies and dance into a net, but only leaped about after the music ceased and the net was cast into the sea.[64]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Fish are a food source for some Egyptians, who dry them in the sun after removing the entrails and then use them for sustenance.[65] (2) A food that is not permitted to the priests to taste, as part of their religious practices.[66] (3) This is the only source of food for three tribes among the Babylonians, prepared by drying in the sun, pounding, straining, and then baking or kneading into a cake.[67]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) What the sea abounds with, along with the earth yielding wheat and barley, under the rule of a blameless king.[68]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) The fish represents hatred because of its association with the sea, symbolizing negativity and aversion due to its connection with Typhon and the marine environment.[69] (2) Fish are commanded not to lift up their faces when Osiris journeys over them, and they are told to permit Osiris to go to Busiris.[70]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) It refers to creatures that should not be caught with bait made of their kind. It suggests avoiding cruel fishing practices.[71]