Myths and Facts about Singapore’s Merlion Statue

After Singapore achieved its independence from Malaysia, the city-state attempted to create its own identity using a remarkable symbol.

Over the years, the Merlion Statue has become an icon of Singapore. It represents the country’s origin as a fishing village before it became one of the most well-developed countries in Asia.

The landmark is widely recognized, making it the most picturesque location on the island where tourists can stop by and snap some photos. At the same time, visitors can relax and enjoy the magical light and water show at Marina Bay from Merlion Park.

But how did this legendary lion turn into an iconic symbol? Read on to learn some myths and facts about the Merlion Statue

Myths:

• The Merlion Statue is based on the legend of Sang Nila Utama, a Malay prince who discovered the fishing village. During that time, he saw a majestic lion-like creature and named the island Singapura, which means Lion City in Sanskrit.
• When you enter the city, taking a photo with the statue is required. The photo will be checked by the immigration officer before your departure from the airport.

Facts:

• As a national symbol, the Merlion statue signifies unification. It was trademarked in 1966, so it can’t be used by anybody or anywhere.
• The statue is designed by British zoologist Alec Fraser in 1964 as the logo for the Singapore Tourist Board (STB). Fraser is the man behind the Van Kleef Aquarium.
• Merlion is one year older than Singapore. It was adopted as STB’s official logo in 1964 while Singapore became an independent country in 1965.
• Merlion was STB’s logo for 33 years until 1997.

• There are seven Merlion Statues across Singapore. They can be found in Sentosa Merlion, Merlion Park, Mount Faber peak, the Singapore Tourist Board office, and Ang Mo Kio district.
• The tallest Merlion Statue is in Sentosa Merlion. It was built by an Australian sculptor named James Martin in 1995. Visitors can take an elevator to see the top view from the statue’s mouth and head.

• The replicated version of the Merlion Statue in Japan is a symbol of friendship between Hokkaido and Singapore.
  
• Contrary to the story of Sang Nila Utama, there were no lions during that time; rather tigers were seen in the village.
• It takes 10 days to completely clean the 37-meter-tall statue.
• The lion's head symbolizes bravery and strength while its body and other elements indicate passion, discipline, and hard work.
• Just like The Little Mermaid, Merlion has become an iconic representation of mer-people and mer-animals symbols/characters.
• The statue’s teeth represent the different ethnic groups in Singapore, including Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Eurasian.
• Merlion statues are always pointed to the east. According to Chinese Feng Shui, this direction will bring success.
• The colorful Merlion Statue located at Resorts World Sentosa can transform into a white water-spouting Merlion upon using an AR app.