Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid Matey - The Origin Of Pirate Flags
By David Mann, Fri Dec 9th
Although the origin of the pirate flag is unknown, it isgenerally thought that it was invented to strike fear in thehearts and minds of their enemies. The pirate flag, or “JollyRoger” as it often called, was likely intended to scare theirpotential victims into a speedy surrender.
The origins of the name “Jolly Roger” are difficult toestablish. It is likely derived from the fact that devil wasoften referred to as “Old Roger”, and so the flag suggested thewrath of the devil. The classic skull and bones design was alsooften used in the Captain’s log to indicate the death of asailor. This flag was an important part of the pirate’s armory,and is considered one of the earliest forms of psychologicalwarfare.
In popular legend, it seems that every pirate flag consisted ofa skull above two crossed bones. This was generally not thecase, as the Captain and his crew often wanted their own flag.While it is true that most pirate had the skull andcrossbones on them, they often had other images such asskeletons, swords, hourglasses, goblets, and hearts.
One of the most famous pirates was “Black Bart”, otherwise knownas Bartholomew Roberts. He was originally from Wales, and in his4 year career captured well over 400 ships and accumulatedincredible wealth. It is said that he was a brilliant, fearless,and innovative seaman. His fleet scoured the seas looking fortreasure, and he inspired fear and dread in governments andcitizens alike.
The
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governments of the Caribbean islands of Barbados andMartinique were keen to see an end to his seafaring activities.In 1720, “Black Bart” captured the governor of Martinique andhung him from the mast of his ship. The flag he would flyrepresented the personal vendetta he had against the islands andits inhabitants. His flag consisted of an image of a man(presumably Bart) with a flaming sword in hand, standing with askull under each foot. The letters “ABH” and “AMH” wereinscribed under the skulls, and stood for “A Bahamian’s Head”and “A Martinicans Head”.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
About the author:David Mann grew up wanting to be a pirate, but decided against alife of murderous crime and high seas hijinks. He recentlywatched the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and to his wife’sdismay, started wearing his eye patch again. When he is notswashbuckling, he writes freelance articles for website like flags of the world,flag pins and military flags.
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