In the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s cultural identity, the Lion’s Head stands as an iconic symbol, representing courage, strength, and excellence.
The Lion’s Head Symbol: A National Emblem
Symbolism: The Lion’s Head symbolizes core values of courage, strength, and excellence, reflecting the resilience and determination embedded in Singapore’s national character.
National Symbols Act 2022: Enacted on 1 August 2023, the National Symbols Act 2022 formally recognizes the Lion’s Head as a national symbol.
Usage Guidelines: The Lion’s Head symbol is freely accessible for use by Singapore-based entities to express loyalty and pride towards the country. However, users are expected to treat the symbol with dignity and respect, adhering to legal guidelines outlined in the National Symbols Act 2022.
Merlion: The Mythical Icon of Singapore
While the Lion’s Head holds its place as a symbol of national pride, Singapore boasts another legendary icon—the Merlion.
Mythical Creature: The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. This symbol represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, known as Temasek (“sea town” in Javanese).
Symbolism: The fish body signifies Singapore’s maritime heritage, while the lion head pays homage to the city-state’s original name, Singapura, meaning “lion city” or “kota singa.”
Merlion Statue: The iconic Merlion statue, standing tall at 8.7 meters, graces Merlion Park near Marina Bay. With water spurting from its mouth into the bay, the statue is a captivating representation of Singapore’s unique blend of myth and modernity.
Official Mascot: The Merlion serves as the official mascot of Singapore, making appearances in sports teams, advertising, branding, and tourism promotions.
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