National Day 

The National Day of Singapore falls on the 9th of August every year, and it celebrates Singapore's sovereignty.

A short background history: Singapore declared independence from Britain in August 1963. It joined the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963 after the 1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore. Singapore left the federation two years later. On 9 August 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become an independent and sovereign state. 

Since then, the tiny island succeeded against the odds, emerging on the world stage as a major commercial hub, financial centre, and global player.

Fun Facts of Singapore

The Merlion

The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore, depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its name combines "mer", meaning the sea, and "lion". The fish body represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means "sea town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's original name—Singapura—meaning "lion city". 

 

Flag - Crescent and Stars

Have you all ever wondered what is the meaning or symbolism behind the red and white colours, as well as the crescent and stars symbols on our country flag? 

The National Flag consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. A white crescent moon occupies the upper left red section. Next to the moon are five white stars arranged in a circle.

Each feature of the Flag bears a unique symbolic meaning. Red stands for universal brotherhood and equality of man. White symbolises pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, and the five stars depict Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

 

National Flower

On 15 April 1981, Vanda Miss Joaquim was selected as Singapore's National Flower. It was selected from among 40 flowers, out of which 30 were orchids. Among the several varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim, the variety "Agnes" was chosen in particular for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience – qualities that reflect the Singapore spirit.

 

Garden City

Singapore is popularly known to be a “Garden City” and it is not a surprise looking at the amount of greenery at every corner of the island. A spectacular attraction not to be missed include Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Grove inside, which are towering vertical greeneries of up to 50metres! Also, another interesting fun fact that not many know is that the Singapore’s Bukit Timah Nature Reserve actually holds more species of trees than the entire North American continent.

 

References:

https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/singapore/singapore-national-day 

https://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/national-day/ 

https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/dc1efe7a-8159-40b2-9244-cdb078755013 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlion 

https://www.nhb.gov.sg/what-we-do/our-work/community-engagement/education/resources/national-symbols/national-flag 

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/family-time-with-nature/recommended-activities/vanda-ms-joaquim