ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Lion head symbol of Singapore

Do you know what a lion is? It's a big, strong animal with fur that lives in places like Africa and Asia. Well, in Singapore, there is a special kind of lion called a "merlion". It's not a real animal, but a made-up creature that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish!

The lion head is a symbol of Singapore because it represents strength, courage, and leadership. The merlion is especially important because it combines the qualities of both a lion and a fish, which represents Singapore's history and culture. Singapore is an island nation, so the fish body represents Singapore's connection to the sea and its importance in trade and fishing.

The merlion also has a special place in Singaporean mythology. According to legend, a prince named Sang Nila Utama discovered the island of Singapore and saw a strange creature in the water that he thought was a lion. He named the island "Singapura", which means "lion city" in Malay. This is how the merlion became a symbol for Singapore.

You can see the lion head symbol all over Singapore, especially on buildings, souvenirs, and even on currency. It's a reminder of the country's rich history, culture, and strength.