Singapura - the Malay name for present Singapore. It was believed to have derived from a sanskrit word, meaning "Lion City". During the Srivijaya Empire in the 7th Century, a Prince from Pelambang,Sang Nila Utama saw a "lion' in the island of Singapore - hence he named the place, Singapura. It could have been a tiger that he saw. Singapore is still signed as Singapura by the Malayan Railways ( Keretapi Tana Melaya )when visitors arrive into Singapore via the KTM Railway Station in Tanjong Pagar
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Singapore Municipal Lion Crest Symbols, City Hall
The Lion Stantant Symbol ( a lion with both paws grounded with a coconut palm tree on the background) has been used to represent the Singapore Municipal Commissions. This symbol, flanked by two guardians, can be found on the four corners of the Singapore Municipal Building ( City Hall).
Coat of Arms to the Colony of Singapore
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Post Boxes with Royal Cyphers in Straits Settlements & British Malaya
Post Boxes came in various shapes and sizes in the forms of Pillar Boxes and Letter Boxes. During the Straits Settlements and British Malaya period, the Post Boxes bore the Royal Cyphers of the reigning mornachy of the British Crown. The cipher or symbol will have the first letter of the Christian name of the King or Queen, with the second letter for Rex (King in Latin) or Regina (Queen in Latin).
Please see Times of Malaya for various designs of Post Boxes (labeled under Penang & Kuala Lumpur) for examples of Post Boxes with different ciphers indicating the various periods of the British Monarchy.
VR: Victoria Regina, 1837 – 1901
ERVII: Edward the 7th Rex, 1901 – 1910
GR V: George 5th Rex, 1910 – 1936
GRVI: George 6th Rex, 1936 – 1952
ERII: Elizabeth 2nd Regina, 1952 – Present
Post Boxes as Pillar Boxes was first built in 1852 on St Helier, Island of Jersey. “Post Office” was inscribed on the boxes as telephone and post boxes were under the General Post Offices.