The origin of Singapore`s most iconic symbol – the Merlion,
a half-lion, half-fish chimera – can be traced to an ancient legend, according
to which a Malay prince spotted this unusual creature in the waters surrounding
a beautiful island. He renamed the
island from Tumasik (or Temasek) to Singapura, meaning `lion city` - in Malay
`singa` means lion, and `pura` implies city. Of course, there is no reason why
in real life a lion would appear in this part of the world, but – as the legend
has it – the mythical beast become active in protecting the inhabitants from
harm and danger.
The merlion has also been seen in other artistic and
cultural references around the world; for example on Indian murals, and coats
of arms of the city of Great Yarmouth.
The statue of the Singaporean`s Merlion was erected in August
1972 at a costly sum of S$165,000 by a man called Lim Nan Seng, and is now a
well-recognised landmark in the city`s financial district, as well as a
Singapore`s answer to London`s Big Ben or Parisian Eiffel Tower.
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