Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, with an area of only 715 sq. km (half the area of Russian St. Petersburg). Singapore has a rich history, only for the last one hundred and fifty years it (from 1867) was a British colony, during the Second World War it belonged (from 1942 to 1945) to Japan. In 1963, as a result of a referendum, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia, and on August 9, 1965, it gained independence. Now it is one of the developed and richest countries in the world, an international financial center is located here, the oil refining industry and tourism are developed, and the largest port in Asia operates.
Almost every capital city has its own symbol. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London or St. George the Victorious in Moscow. Singapore also has its own symbol, it is called Merlion (or Merlion), which means “sea lion”. The fish speaks of the connection of the inhabitants of the city with the sea, and the lion speaks of fearlessness and strength.
Myths of the ancient land
Singapore in translation means lion (singa) and city (pura). There are several legends about why there is a lion in the name of the city, because this animal has never been found on the island. The name was given to the city by the first prince of Malaysia, Sang Nila Utama. According to the ancient chronicles, having received the title “Lord of the Three Worlds”, he left his hometown and went to other lands. On the way, his attention was attracted by a picturesque island, the shores of which were covered with white sand.
The locals said that this place (at that time a small fishing village) is called Tumasek. According to ancient chronicles, when the prince and his entourage landed on the island, they met an unprecedented creature with a brown body and a large head. When it saw people, it hid. None of the maharaja's entourage knew what this strange beast was, and only one very old man said that it was a lion. A strange animal, strong, graceful and agile, amazed the prince. Therefore, having settled on this land, the prince renamed the island of Tumasek to Singapore, which means lion city.
History of creation
There is an ancient legend, which says that a huge creature with the body of a fish and with the head of a lion lived in the sea near this place. It protected the island and all its inhabitants from violent storms or attacks from enemies. Then Merlion swam to the surface, his eyes filled with red light and incinerated everything that could threaten people. It was decided to make the symbol of Singapore the Merlion in 1964 at the initiative of the Tourism Council. It was created by its designer Forayser Brunner. The symbolism is based on the origin of the city's name.
The history of the monument began in the early 70s of the last century. The Singapore government decided to make the statue as a sign of respect for the revered creature. Allocated money from the treasury in the amount of 165,000 Singapore dollars, a significant amount for that time. The talented local sculptor Lim Nang Seng set to work and sculpted the Merlion figure in the form of a fountain, based on the emblem of 1864. The statue is cast from white alumina concrete, is 8.6 m high and weighs 70 tons, installed in 1972.
The sculpture was originally installed at the mouth of the Singapore River, near the Explanade Bridge. A park, also called Merlion, was laid out around it. But then the bridge was reconstructed, as a result of which the sculpture did not become visible from the side of the river. Therefore, in 2002, it was moved downstream more than 120 m and installed opposite the Fullerton Hotel.
In 2009, a terrible thunderstorm swept over the city and lightning hit the statue, causing severe damage - a large piece of concrete broke off from the lion's head. At present, everything has been carefully restored: the statue of Merlion, the pool located nearby, the surrounding area - a place where numerous tourists and locals come with pleasure. Here you can admire the fountain and relax on the picturesque bank of the river. The statue of Merlion is oriented strictly to the east, as required by feng shui for the city to prosper and grow rich. The second small figurine of a half-fish, half-lion is not far away, in a glass cube. Its weight is three tons, and its height is no more than two meters.
Copies
In the capital there is, in addition to the original, four more copies of Merlion. The largest, 37-meter high sculpture is installed on Sentosa Island, which is located across the strait from Singapore. The fountain was built as an entertainment center - there are souvenir shops, a cinema, a history museum. The world famous laser show is regularly held. There are two observation platforms on the 9th and 12th floors - at the level of the lion's head and mouth. Greater Mayoline is 60 meters above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views of the island and the modern skyscrapers of the metropolis. An unforgettable sight, if there is an opportunity, you should definitely visit this place.
On Mount Faber, high above the city, is one of the oldest parks in Singapore. There are many observation platforms here, because a beautiful panoramic view opens up from the mountain. One of the main attractions of Mount Faber is the statue of Merlion, which greets tourists at the top of the hill. The three-meter sculpture is installed near the office of the Singapore Tourism Board. This is a three-meter glazed figure of a lion fish.
Where are located
The original sculpture of Merlion and a small copy of it are located in Merlion Park, in Marina Bay, opposite the Fullerton Hotel. You can get here by taxi or by bus. It is more convenient to use the metro, Rafflee Place station (blue line).
The largest sculpture, 37 meters high, is located on Sentos Island. It is possible to get there by cable car, high-speed train, use a taxi or walk across the bridge.
Mount Faber, where another sculpture of Merlion is located, is connected to the city by a cable car. This short trip will give the tourist the opportunity to admire the picturesque view of Singapore Harbor. The starting point is the Singapore World Trade Center. Another copy of the Merlion is located in the city center on Grange Road. You can get there by bus or taxi. Today Merlion is the world famous symbol of Singapore. But besides the statues of the mythical animal, there are many more attractions that will make a strong impression on the most discerning traveler. Some can only be seen in this exotic country. And hospitable locals are always glad to see guests.
