Do you know the story behind the pirate flag?

Ahoy ya seadogs! Meet Jolly Roger aka the pirate’s flag!

How the pirate flag was established

How did the black flag with the skull become a trademark of pirates and the most timeless international logo?

Pirates and the myth around them has inspired many films, most of which portray pirates as romantic treasure hunters. In reality, however, most pirates were cold-blooded criminals and are considered the pioneers of organized crime: they attacked and looted indifferently to human life.

There are many objects or images that have been identified with pirates such as the wooden leg, the covered eye or the metal hook in place of a mutilated hand.

“The black flag with the skull and the bones below, remains the symbol that has been identified with the pirates. This flag is called Jolly Roger. The pirates raised the flag on the mast to convey a message to their targets. Their purpose was to cause terror and to show their strength. ”

Throughout naval history, ships have hoisted flags to convey a message or to prove their identity. For example, private boats had different flags from the navy. The pirate ships raised their flags for the same reasons or to deceive the passing ships to believe that they were allies, thus allowing themselves the possibility of surprise.

Captain Christopher Moody, “No Quarter Given Flag”, 1713 – 1718

The red flag

Usually a pirate ship raised a black flag during the attack. This meant that if the defenders did not resist, then the pirates would show mercy to their victims.

But if during the attack they met resistance, then they changed the black flag with a red one stating that they would not show pity. The aim was to cause as much fear as possible, which gave them an advantage.

Rumors support that Charles Johnson published a book entitled A General History of the Pirates.  There has been not enough records of anyone with the name Charles Johnson serving as a captain in any way. There was a playwright by that name in the early eighteenth century, but there are no ties to piracy found in his works. Some have suggested that the “Captain” was in fact a common pirate, but again, there is no record of this man. The book first mentions the name, as Johnson writes that two pirates named their flag, Jolly Roger: Bartholomew Roberts in June 1721 and Francis Spriggs in July 1723.

Instead of the traditional white designs on a black background that most pirates favored, Captain Christopher Moody chose designs picked out in gold on a red background. The use of a red background is particularly ominous. Among pirates, privateers and naval captains, flying a red flag often meant that no quarter would be given. An hourglass with wings, representing time flying away; an arm holding a dagger; and a gold skull with crossed bones.

The legend with the Knights Templar

Another possible explanation of the etymology is found in the book “The Pirates and the Lost Fleet of the Templars” by David Hatcher. According to this book, the name Jolie Roger comes from King Roger II of Sicily, a Knight of the Order of the Templars who is believed to have been the first to raise the pirate flag.

Various designs were used from time to time by pirates. Various designs such as a simple all-black or crimson flag or with a variety of designs such as skeletons, weapons, blood, hearts.

Some sources attribute the classic design with the skull and bones to a legend associated with the Knights Templar. Philip Gardiner writes in his book that a knight of the Knights Templar, Lord of Sidon, loved a beautiful girl. But she died at a young age and on the night of her burial her knight dug up her body to have an affair with her.

Then a voice called him back in 9 months to find his son. He obeyed and when he returned after 9 months he found a skull at the feet of the skeleton (skull and bones). The same voice then, called him to watch his skull because that would bring him good luck. The knight took it with him and with his help he managed to defeat his enemies simply by showing them the “magic skull”. This later passed into the possession of the Order.

An All Time Universal Symbol

Today, the well-known pirate flag is considered one of the oldest examples of a logo that has managed to become a global symbol**.** This is the ultimate brand symbol. The stories of pirates continue to fascinate and movies like Captain Hook or Pirates of the Caribbean are being made.

Resourcse: https://www.mixanitouxronou.gr/