The Merlion (Malay: Singa-Laut) is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, used as a mascot of Singapore. Its name combines “mer” meaning the sea and “lion”. The fish body represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village when it was calledTemasek, which means “sea town” in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore’s original name — Singapura — meaning “lion city” or “kota singa”.
The symbol was designed by Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee and curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, for the logo of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in use from 26 March 1964 to 1997[1] and has been its trademarked symbol since 20 July 1966. Although the STB changed their logo in 1997, the STB Act continues to protect the Merlion symbol.[2] Approval must be received from STB before it can be used. The Merlion appears frequently on STB-approved souvenirs.
[wiki]
An image from my archives. Singapore, January 2008.
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EG Wow, Canada
May 17, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Merlions are new to me!
Karen
May 17, 2011 at 8:22 pm
A terrific night shot.
fjällripan
May 17, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Great photo. The Merlions are very beautiful and looks rather big to!
Honey
May 17, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Lovely night shot. Happy to learn about Merlions!
Dimple
May 17, 2011 at 9:46 pm
This is the second time I have seen a post about the merlion, and both times I have thought about Merlin, the wizard in the King Arthur stories! But I was corrected as I read…
It’s an interesting symbol! I like this shot, the water from its mouth and the lighting work very well.
Kay Davies
May 17, 2011 at 10:10 pm
A fabulous photo!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
AL
May 18, 2011 at 1:03 am
Cool shot! The most popular landmark of Singapore, thanks for the information, I learned something today.
seniorhiker
May 18, 2011 at 1:39 am
Thanks for the information about the merlion. Your photo is stunning.
Indrani
May 18, 2011 at 2:57 am
Superb night shot, I have seen it only during the day.
Stephany
May 18, 2011 at 3:42 am
Fantastic night shot! Very interesting history of the Merlion. Thank you for your comments!
Martha Z
May 18, 2011 at 4:23 am
I love the way you captured the light on this, a wonderful shot.
Luna Miranda
May 18, 2011 at 5:10 am
almost all my friends have been to Singapore…i haven’t.:p but it’s in my bucket list, after Vietnam, Cambodia, India. *LOL*
Hootin' Anni
May 18, 2011 at 11:18 am
Oh I want one somewhere in our town by the bay too! Fascinating and beautiful too.
Beach…catcus blossom
Have a grand day!
Ebie
May 18, 2011 at 1:53 pm
I really love this shot! A very cute water “spitting” image!
ann new zealand
May 18, 2011 at 10:31 pm
I lived in Singapore for 16 years and told this styory many many times to overseas visitors.
Linnea
May 19, 2011 at 4:50 am
That’s cool! Your night shots are great…especially the signs from Las Vegas.
KG
May 22, 2011 at 8:37 am
when icifrst saw the merlion, my first thought that it was smaller than i expected. but i really enjoyed the merlion park and the area. 🙂