The Merlion is a statue globally recognized as a national icon representing Singapore. This unique figure embodies a mythical creature with the upper body of a lion and the lower body of a fish. It was introduced by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) as a symbol of tourism and was installed near the mouth of the Singapore River on September 15, 1972. Currently, the most famous statue is located in Merlion Park near Marina Bay.

The Origin and Meaning of the Merlion

The name Merlion is a portmanteau combining "Mer," meaning the sea, and "Lion." The fish body represents Singapore's historical background as a small fishing village once named Temasek. The lion's head, on the other hand, is associated with the legend that gave rise to Singapore's name. According to the legend, a prince from the Sriwijayan Empire of Sumatra landed on the island in the 14th century and encountered a majestic creature resembling a lion. The prince is said to have named the island "Singapura" (Lion City), a combination of the Sanskrit words "Singa" (lion) and "Pura" (city).

The Merlion Statue and Its Relocation

The original statue in Merlion Park is 8.6 meters tall, weighs 70 tons, is made of concrete, and forcefully spouts water from its mouth. It also served as a welcoming fountain for the Singapore harbor. It was originally installed at the mouth of the Singapore River, but due to the completion of the Esplanade Bridge in 1997, which partially obscured the statue, it was relocated to the current Merlion Park in 2002. This relocation was carefully planned so the statue would face the sea and east, a direction considered auspicious from a Feng Shui perspective, symbolizing prosperity. Currently, a 2-meter-tall "Merlion Cub" is also installed next to the original statue in the park, making it a popular photo spot.