🏴 Why do pirates have flags and what do they mean?
Pirates use flags or flags to send a message to opposing ships, often of intimidation. Each flag can signify an intention, such as an impending attack, a proposal to lay down arms and surrender without violence, or the
Jolly Roger flag was simply used to recognize each other in the distance to avoid attacking their allies.
🏴 In what year did pirates create the first pirate flag?
There are several stories about the first
black flag, but the most famous pirate being that of Emmanuel Wynne, a famous French pirate from the
golden age of piracy. He is said to have been the 1st to hoist a Jolly Roger in 1700 off the coast of Cuba. His Jolly Roger flag was made of black cloth with a white skull, crossed shins and a white hourglass represented on it. He would thus be the creator of the black flag with white skull and crossbones design.
🏴 What is the famous black pirate flag called?
The famous flag has spanned the centuries, but remains as famous and iconic as ever. It is called the
JOLLY ROGER. Generally, it is a black flag with a skull and crossbones in white.
🏴 Why is the pirate flag called Jolly Roger?
The so peculiar name of this flag, Jolly Roger would in fact be originally in reference to the "joli rouge" the flag of the French
corsairs. Indeed, they would unfurl a
red flag to signify to enemy ships that there would be no mercy. From this pretty red term would have come the Jolly Roger, from a mispronunciation of the English.
🏴 What symbols are present on pirate flags?
Jolly Roger were often similar, but usually famous captains like Blackbeard, Black Sam, Calico Jack or even Bartholomew Roberts had their own flag. However, the symbols were always the same:
-
- a skull
- crossbones
- an hourglass
- a heart
- a skeleton
- a pirate
- pirate swords or sabers
🏴 Why does the pirate flag have a skull and crossbones?
The skull and crossbones on a flag is purely an intimidation, the famous skull and crossbones terrorized many sailors during the golden age of piracy. The skull and crossed bones flag meant that the pirate ship wanted to board and that if there was any resistance, they would be slaughtered.
🏴 What does the heart on the pirate flag mean?
The heart on the black flag is often accompanied by a spear piercing it! This is a powerful and bloodthirsty message, either the enemy ships would surrender and offer up their spoils, or their crews would meet a violent and barbaric death.
🏴 What do the swords on the pirate flag mean?
Crossed swords or sabers on a flag simply meant that they were ready to fight and go on the attack, once hoisted it was often too late for the opposing fleets.
🏴 What does the hourglass on the pirate flag mean?
An hourglass was often found on the Jolly Roger, a rather effective means of persuasion. It symbolized the flow of time, bringing enemies closer to death. It was best not to run into this kind of Jolly Roger if you valued your life.
🏴 What does the red pirate flag mean?
The red flag of the pirates, certainly the most terrifying and bloody. A flag on a red background wanted to show the color of blood that will flow. Once hoisted it was a call to barbarism and violence, no mercy for the opposing crews, no prisoners will be taken. It's for hte