Singapore's Symbol Merlion History
- lionheartlanders
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
The Merlion stands as one of Singapore's most recognizable symbols, bridging the gap between our ancient past and modern identity. Understanding the Merlion's history helps us appreciate how this mythical creature became deeply woven into Singapore's national story, representing both our humble origins and remarkable transformation into a global city.
The Ancient Origins: From Temasek to Singapura
The Merlion's story begins long before its creation in 1964, rooted in the legendary founding of Singapore itself. According to the Malay Annals, Prince Sang Nila Utama from Palembang arrived on the shores of an island called Temasek (meaning "sea town" in Javanese) around 1299. This ancient settlement was a humble fishing village at the mouth of what is now the Singapore River.
The pivotal moment in Singapore's naming came when Prince Sang Nila Utama spotted a magnificent creature with "a black head, a white neck, and a red body". Though lions were never native to Singapore, one of his advisors identified the animal as a "singa" or lion in Sanskrit. This auspicious sighting inspired the prince to rename the island "Singapura" - combining the Sanskrit words "singa" (lion) and "pura" (city) to create the "Lion City".
The Modern Creation: Fraser-Brunner's Design Vision
Fast-forward to 1964, when Singapore was building its tourism industry and needed a distinctive symbol. The task fell to Alec Frederick Fraser-Brunner, a British ichthyologist and curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium. Fraser-Brunner was a member of the Souvenir Committee and understood both marine life and Singapore's cultural heritage.
Fraser-Brunner's genius lay in combining two powerful symbols from Singapore's past. The lion's head represented the legendary naming of Singapura, while the fish body honored Singapore's origins as Temasek, the ancient fishing village. The name "Merlion" itself cleverly merged "mer" (meaning sea) with "lion," creating a perfect embodiment of Singapore's dual maritime and urban identity.
The design was officially adopted by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (later Singapore Tourism Board) on March 26, 1964, and became their trademarked symbol on July 20, 1966. Remarkably, this makes the Merlion symbol one year older than Singapore as an independent nation, which gained sovereignty in 1965.
Bringing the Symbol to Life: Lim Nang Seng's Masterpiece
The transition from logo to physical monument required exceptional craftsmanship. Local sculptor Lim Nang Seng was commissioned to bring Fraser-Brunner's design to life, working from a blueprint by artist Kwan Sai Kheong. Construction began in November 1971 and was completed by August 1972.
What makes this creation even more remarkable is that Lim Nang Seng didn't work alone. All eight of his children, aged 11 to 23, participated in building the statue. The older children climbed scaffolding to work on the Merlion's eyes (made from red teacups), while younger ones carved the intricate fish scales and fins. The statue measured 8.6 meters tall and weighed 70 tonnes, constructed from cement fondue with porcelain plates for skin.
The Official Inauguration and Evolution
September 15, 1972 marked a pivotal moment in Singapore's cultural history when Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew officially inaugurated the Merlion statue at the mouth of the Singapore River. A bronze plaque commemorated the occasion with the inscription: "The Merlion has been erected as a symbol to welcome all visitors to Singapore".
The statue's location, however, wasn't permanent. When the Esplanade Bridge was completed in 1997, it blocked views of the Merlion from Marina Bay. In 2002, both the main statue and its smaller companion (the Merlion Cub, standing 2 meters tall) were relocated to the current Merlion Park adjacent to One Fullerton. This $7.5 million relocation project was completed on April 25, 2002, with Lee Kuan Yew ceremonially welcoming the Merlion to its new home.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The Merlion's design carries profound meaning that resonates with Singapore's national identity. The fish body specifically honors Singapore's maritime heritage and the orang laut (sea gypsies) who were among the earliest inhabitants. It represents the nation's humble beginnings as a trading port where diverse communities of fishermen, traders, and sailors built their livelihoods around the Singapore River.
The lion's head symbolizes courage, strength, and excellence - values that have defined Singapore's journey from colonial outpost to modern metropolis. These characteristics mirror the tenacious spirit that has enabled Singapore to overcome challenges and emerge as a global financial and commercial hub.
The Merlion's Protected Status and Official Recognition
Understanding the Merlion's legal protection reveals its importance to Singapore's national identity. The symbol remains under the exclusive protection of the Singapore Tourism Board Act, which continues to safeguard the Merlion even though STB changed its corporate logo in 1997. Any commercial use of the Merlion symbol requires explicit approval from STB, ensuring its dignity and appropriate representation.
There are currently six official Merlion statues in Singapore. Beyond the famous Marina Bay statue and its cub, others include a 3-meter statue at STB headquarters on Tanglin Road, another at Mount Faber, and two pink granite statues in Ang Mo Kio installed in 1998. Each serves as a reminder of the symbol's enduring relevance to Singaporeans across different neighborhoods.
The Merlion in Singapore's Tourism Narrative
The Merlion has been instrumental in Singapore's tourism development, serving as the cornerstone of campaigns that promoted Singapore as "Instant Asia" and later "New Asia". Its image appears on countless souvenirs, from keychains to chocolates, making it one of the world's most recognizable national symbols.
Tourism statistics show that Merlion Park attracts over one million visitors annually, making it one of Singapore's most photographed landmarks. The iconic image of the water-spouting Merlion against Singapore's skyline has become synonymous with the city-state itself, appearing in international media and travel publications worldwide.
Heritage Education and National Identity
The Merlion serves as a powerful educational tool for understanding Singapore's heritage. Learning about Singapore's stories through symbols like the Merlion helps both residents and visitors appreciate the layers of history that shaped our modern nation. Educational programs often use the Merlion as a starting point to explore themes of immigration, multiculturalism, and economic development.
The symbol connects past and present, allowing younger generations to understand how Singapore evolved from Sang Nila Utama's legendary Singapura through colonial Raffles' free port to today's global city. This historical continuity strengthens Singapore's national identity while celebrating the diverse communities that built our nation.
Contemporary Relevance and Future Legacy
Today, the Merlion continues to evolve in meaning while maintaining its core symbolism. As Singapore positions itself as a Smart Nation and regional hub for innovation, the Merlion adapts to represent not just historical heritage but also forward-looking vision. The creature's ability to inhabit both land and sea metaphorically represents Singapore's agility in navigating global challenges and opportunities.
Recent conservation efforts ensure the Merlion's physical preservation while digital initiatives make its story accessible to new audiences. Virtual tours, interactive exhibits, and educational apps help share the Merlion's significance with global visitors who may not be able to visit Singapore in person.
A Symbol That Unites Past and Future
The Merlion's history reveals how thoughtful symbolism can capture a nation's essence while inspiring its future aspirations. From Sang Nila Utama's legendary lion sighting to Fraser-Brunner's creative design and Lim Nang Seng's masterful craftsmanship, the Merlion represents the collaborative spirit that has always defined Singapore.
Understanding this rich history deepens our appreciation for Singapore's journey and the values that continue to guide our nation. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, exploring Singapore's heritage stories like the Merlion's history helps us connect with the remarkable transformation that made our little island a beacon of success in Southeast Asia.
The Merlion stands not just as a tourist attraction, but as a testament to Singapore's ability to honor its past while embracing its future - a lesson in how small nations can achieve greatness through vision, determination, and unity.
Comments