Exploring the Singapore River has been a while? Here's reasons to stroll it for SG60 celebration
Article: The Merlion and the Legendary Origin of Singapura
As Singapore commemorates its 60th anniversary of independence, the city-state's iconic symbol, the Merlion, continues to stand tall, a testament to the island's rich history and cultural identity.
Designed by Mr Alec Frederick Fraser-Brunner in the early 1960s, the Merlion statue was initially unveiled at the Waterboat House Garden on Sep 15, 1972, by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. With a height of 8.6 meters, the statue represents Singapore's beginnings as a fishing village called Temasek, with the lion's head symbolising the legendary encounter of a Palembang prince named Sang Nila Utama. However, the original Malay name of the Merlion has been a subject of debate.
The Merlion statue is often associated with the legend of Sang Nila Utama, who, according to Malay tradition, saw a "false lion" (singa-pura) on the island in the year 1299, giving the city its name, Singapura, derived from the Sanskrit words simha (lion) and pura (city or fortress), translating to "Lion City." This story, while a founding myth, has been questioned for its historical accuracy, as lions are not native to the island[4].
In primary school textbooks of the 1960s, the historical origin of Singapura was presented as a legend involving a prince from the Sumatran empire of Srivijaya. The account emphasised the royal encounter that gave the island its enduring name, despite the historical improbability of lions ever inhabiting the island[4]. The account links Singapore’s identity directly to the lion symbolism, which also appeared later in its coat of arms and popular epithets.
The Merlion statue was later relocated to its current position at Merlion Park in 2002, opposite The Fullerton Hotel. Over the years, it has served as the corporate logo for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board from 1964 to 1997. As Singaporeans walk along the Singapore River, the Merlion continues to be a reminder of the city-state's past, present, and enduring spirit.
[1] The Singapore Encyclopedia. (2015). Singapura. Retrieved from https://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=222538481 [3] The Singapore Encyclopedia. (2015). Merlion. Retrieved from https://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=222538481 [4] The Straits Times. (2019, February 13). The real story of how Singapura got its name. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/the-real-story-of-how-singapura-got-its-name
In a nod to the island's historical origin, a blend of life reminiscent of home-and-garden and outdoor-living has recently seen gardenscapes featuring miniature Merlion statues blooming in Singaporean backyards, symbolizing a lifestyle deeply rooted in local identity and legend. The national symbol, the Merlion, originally housed at the Waterboat House Garden, serves as an inspiration for contemporary garden designs, allowing homeowners to seamlessly integrate a piece of their city's past into their daily lives.
