“Half Lion, Half Fish” is the riddle that perhaps best describes the mythical creature that has become synonymous with Singapore. I am talking about the Merlion. Right here we stand at Mahkota Park. It is a place where you can reflect on this icon. The Merlion’s tale began in 1964. The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board designed it as its logo. Today, the Singapore Tourism Board continues to recognize its importance.
The Merlion’s design is rich with symbolism. The fish’s body represents Singapore’s humble start as a fishing village. It was once known as Temasek. Temasek shares a root with “tasek”. Tasek means lake in Malay. The lion’s head honors the city’s original name. That name is Singapura. It means “lion city” in Sanskrit.
The most famous Merlion statue is at Merlion Park. It is next to One Fullerton at Marina Bay. This statue was unveiled on September 15, 1972. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew did the honors. Kwan Sai Kheong designed it and Lim Nang Seng sculpted it. The statue stands eight meters tall. It weighs 70 tonnes. It projects seawater from its mouth. A smaller Merlion statue stands nearby. It is two meters tall. People call it the “Merlion cub”. It weighs three tonnes. Chinese porcelain plates and bowls decorate it.
In 2002, the Merlion was moved to its current location. This was due to the construction of the Esplanade Bridge. The bridge obscured the view of the statue from the waterfront. The move cost 7.5 million Singapore dollars. On September 15, 2002, Lee Kuan Yew unveiled the statue. This was at its new spot at One Fullerton. The ceremony marked the Merlion’s 30th birthday. The statue faces east. This preserves optimal feng shui.
The Merlion has faced challenges over the years. Seawater caused corrosion in its pump system. This required periodic replacements. In 2009, lightning struck the larger statue. It caused a crack in the mane. The statue was repaired and reopened.
The Merlion’s image appears on tourist souvenirs. The Singapore Tourism Promotion Board Act protects it. You need permission to reproduce the Merlion. Otherwise, you might face a fine. The Merlion tower on Sentosa is another Merlion statue. It is a 37-metre, 12-story structure. James Martin designed it. It cost 8 million Singapore dollars.
Local poets have also found inspiration in the Merlion. Edwin Thumboo wrote “Ulysses by the Merlion”. Lee Tzu Pheng responded with “The Merlion to Ulysses”. These poems are in an anthology. It is titled “Reflecting on the Merlion”.
The Merlion embodies Singapore’s past and present. It symbolizes a fishing village. It also represents a vibrant, modern city. As you stand here at Mahkota Park, consider its journey. Think about its role as a symbol of Singapore. The Merlion is more than a statue. It is a story etched in stone and water. It is a reminder of Singapore’s unique identity. It is a blend of history and myth.