What does the Merlion in Singapore symbolize?

The Merlion’s fish-like body symbolises Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, known as Temasek—a name which comes from same root as the word tasek (‘lake’ in Malay). The statue’s head represents the city’s original name of Singapura (lion city in Sanskrit).

Where is the original Merlion located?

Singapore
Original location On 15 September 1972, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew officiated the installation ceremony of the Merlion statue. The original statue stood at the mouth of the Singapore River in Merlion Park.

What is the characteristics of Merlion?

The Merlion is a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish that is widely used as a mascot and national personification of Singapore. Two Merlion statues are located at the park. The original Merlion structure measures 8.6 meters tall and spouts water from its mouth.

What does a lion head symbolize?

Meaning. The Lion Head symbolises courage, strength and excellence. It is in solid red against a white background – the colours of the National Flag. The mane has five partings that represent the same five ideals embodied in the five stars of the National Flag, namely democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

What is the story of Merlion?

It has been said that the Merlion reflects the legend of Sang Nila Utama, a Malay prince that sailed across the seas before discovering a fishing island called Temasek (which mean “fish town” in Javanese).

Where did the Merlion come from?

So the mer part of Merlion comes from Singapore’s history as a small fishing village. Back in the 1960’s the Singapore Tourism Board were looking for an icon that would brand Singapore. A designer called Fraser Brunner in 1964 merged the tale of the lion to Singapore’s humble fishing village beginnings.

What is the shape of Merlion?

Merlion is an unofficial mascot of Singapore it’s shape is a lion’s head and the body of a fish.

How did Singapore get its name?

Thus, the name Singapore comes from the Malay words “Singa” for lion and “Pura” for city. Prior to European settlement, the island now known as Singapore was the site of a Malay fishing village and inhabited by several hundred indigenous Orang Laut people.

What is the national symbol of Singapore?

The Lion Head
The Lion Head is a distinctive and easily recognisable National Symbol of Singapore. Less formal than the other symbols such as the National Flag and the State Crest, the Lion Head symbol can be freely used by individuals, organisations and corporations to promote a sense of national identity.

Why Singapore is called the Lion City?

According to the Malay Annals, Singapura was named after a strange beast seen by Sang Nila Utama while hunting in Temasek, and he was informed that the beast must have been a lion. He decided to stay in Temasek and named the city he founded Singapura or “Lion City”.