Ever wondered about the half-lion, half-fish statue spouting water in Singapore? That’s the Merlion, a symbol packed with more history and meaning than meets the eye.
From its British designer to its worldwide presence, this iconic figure has quite a tale.
Dive into these 10 surprising facts and discover why the Merlion is more than just a tourist photo op. 😊
1. The Origin of the Merlion
The Merlion, Singapore’s iconic symbol, has a fascinating origin rooted in the city-state’s history.
You might not know that this mythical creature combines a lion’s head with a fish’s body, representing Singapore’s original name, Singapura (Lion City), and its humble beginnings as a fishing village.
The Merlion embodies Singapore’s transformation from a small port town to a bustling metropolis, bridging its past and present in a single, powerful image.
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2. Designed by Fraser Brunner
You might be surprised to learn that the Merlion wasn’t dreamed up by a local artist.
The iconic design came from Fraser Brunner, a British ichthyologist and curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium.
In 1964, the Singapore Tourism Board approached Brunner to create a logo for the city.
Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s history and maritime heritage, he crafted the Merlion, blending Eastern and Western design elements to create a unique symbol that resonates with people worldwide.
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3. The Merlion’s First Home
Before it found its permanent home at Merlion Park, the original Merlion statue was located at the mouth of the Singapore River, near the Esplanade Bridge.
This spot was chosen for its strategic significance, as the river was the lifeblood of Singapore’s early trade.
The relocation in 2002 to its current site allowed more visitors to appreciate its grandeur and historical significance.
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4. The Merlion Park
Today, you’ll find the Merlion in its own dedicated space: Merlion Park.
Created in 2002, this waterfront park offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay.
You might not realize that moving the 70-ton statue was a massive undertaking, requiring careful planning and engineering.
The park’s design incorporates water features and viewing platforms, allowing you to admire the Merlion from various angles and capture perfect photos with Singapore’s stunning skyline as a backdrop.
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5. The Mini Merlions
While the main Merlion statue gets all the attention, you might not know about its smaller companions.
There are actually several official Merlion statues in Singapore. The most famous “cub” is the 2-meter tall statue that sits behind its larger counterpart in Merlion Park.
You can find other mini Merlions at Mount Faber and Tourism Court.
Each of these smaller statues has its own unique charm, offering you multiple opportunities to encounter this iconic symbol around the city.
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6. Height and Weight of the Statue
You might be wondering about the Merlion’s size.
The main statue stands an impressive 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons – that’s about as heavy as 40 cars! Its water-spouting mouth alone is 1.1 meters wide.
The statue’s massive scale was chosen to make it visible from afar, serving as a welcoming beacon for visitors arriving by sea.
Its imposing presence reflects Singapore’s ambition and growth as a nation.
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7. The Symbol of Prosperity
The Merlion isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also considered a symbol of prosperity in Singapore.
You might not know that many businesses and organizations incorporate the Merlion into their logos and branding to evoke success and good fortune.
In feng shui, the Merlion is believed to bring wealth and abundance.
Its fish body represents water, symbolizing flow and prosperity, while the lion head signifies strength and leadership.
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8. Merlion’s Role in National Identity
You might be surprised by how deeply the Merlion is woven into Singapore’s national identity.
Beyond being a tourist attraction, it’s a powerful unifying symbol for Singaporeans.
The Merlion appears on postal stamps, coins, and various official documents.
It’s taught about in schools and featured in local art and literature.
For many Singaporeans, the Merlion represents their unique heritage and the nation’s journey from a small fishing village to a global city-state.
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9. Merlion Statues Worldwide
Did you know the Merlion’s fame extends beyond Singapore’s shores? You can find official Merlion statues in several countries around the world.
There’s one in Shenzhen, China, gifted by the Singapore government to commemorate the development of the Shenzhen-Singapore Industrial Park.
Another stands proudly in the Japanese city of Yokohama. These international Merlions serve as symbols of friendship and cultural exchange between Singapore and other nations.
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10. The Merlion’s Feature in Popular Culture
You might be surprised by how often the Merlion pops up in popular culture.
It has been featured in numerous films, books, and even video games.
In the Hollywood movie “Crazy Rich Asians”, the Merlion makes a memorable appearance.
It’s also inspired local artists, who have reimagined it in various forms – from abstract sculptures to street art.
The Merlion’s cultural impact extends to music too, with local bands writing songs about this beloved national icon.
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