Merlion

From Freepedia

The merlion is a mythological creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its English name comes from a portmanteau of mermaid and lion. The merlion is a national emblem of Singapore, and merlion statues can be found on many fountains throughout the country. The tallest one can be found on Sentosa Island, south of Singapore.

The lion head of the creature recalls the story of the legendary Sang Nila Utama, who saw a lion in Singapore (originally known as Temasek) while hunting. This gave rise to the name Singapura (the lion city), which evolved into the country's modern name. On the other hand, the fish body reminds Singaporeans of their ancestors' lives as Orang Laut (Sea People), and Singapore's humble origins as a small fishing village.

Fraser Brunner, curator of the now-defunct Van Kleef Aquarium, designed the Merlion in 1964. On 20 July 1966, the Merlion was registered as the trademark of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). It is protected by Act of Parliament.

It was the brain child of the Shaw Brothers at the suggestion of then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The Merlion was intended to become a tourist attraction, and its prominence in promotional materials has ensured its popularity among tourists visiting Singapore.