Merlion sea lion - symbol of Singapore's past and future

The Merlion symbolizes humble beginnings and aspiration to move ahead of Singapore.

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While the white-headed eagle represents the freedom and power of the United States, Russia is associated with large and strong bears, Singapore is famous for its lion Merlion.

Merlion symbol of the past and the future

The lion head of the Merlion is tied to the story of the Malaysian prince Sang Nila Utama. Legend has it that when he first set foot on the island of Singapore today, he met a lion. So after establishing a new settlement, he named this place Singapura. In Sanskrit, "Singa" means a lion and "pura" is a city. The lion is a creature that is always moving forward, embodying strength and courage, all representing today's Singapore island nation.

Statue of Merlion sprays by Marina Bay. Photo: Times Out.

Previously, the lion island nation was a modest fishing village called Temasek, which translates as a beach town in Java. So the lower part of the logo has a fish body, called Mer. Not only myths, the fish body of the Merlion also reflects the ideals of Singaporeans, humility and appreciation for the hard work. Merlion sea lions are both creatures that symbolize their origins and express their aspirations toward the future of this city.

History of the Merlion

The Merlion was born during the period of Singapore's independence and great changes in economy, politics and society. At that time, people in lion island nation wanted to find their own national identity and what they needed was a symbol, a reminder of the origin and aspirations.

The Merlion was designed in 1964 by Fraser Brunner, manager of the Van Kleef Aquarium. Before that, Singapore remained part of Malaysia until 1965. Therefore, the symbol is one year older than the country. After that, the Merlion became the logo of Singapore Tourism Board during 31 years from 1966 to 1997.

Marina Bay Sands is on the opposite side of the Merlion. Photo: Singapore Travel.

In Singapore there are two famous Merlion statues, one 8.6 m high weighs approximately 70 tons and the other 2 m high, weighs about 3 tons. Both were created by sculptor Lim Nang Seng, designed by Singapore Secretary of Education Kwan Sai Kheong. After 1997, when the Esolanade Bridge was completed, they were moved from the first position (the mouth of the Singapore River) to the front of the Fullerton Hotel, right next to Marina Bay.

Today, Singapore focuses on major projects such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the bay and Singapore Flyer. However, Merlion Park with two famous statues is still a tourist attraction when visiting this country.