Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid Matey – The Origin Of Pirate Flags

Although the origin of the pirate flag is unknown, it’s usually thought that it was invented to strike worry in the hearts and minds of their enemies. The pirate flag, or “Jolly Roger” as it often known as, was seemingly supposed to scare their potential victims right into a speedy surrender.

The origins of the name “Jolly Roger” are tough to establish. It’s doubtless derived from the truth that devil was often referred to as “Old Roger”, and so the flag urged the wrath of the devil. The traditional cranium and bones design was also typically used in the Captain’s log to point the demise of a sailor. This flag was an essential part of the pirate’s armory, and is considered one of many earliest forms of psychological warfare.

In popular legend, it seems that every pirate flag consisted of a skull above two crossed bones. This was generally not the case, because the Captain and his crew often wanted their very own flag. While it is true that most pirate flags had the cranium and crossbones on them, they typically had different photos akin to skeletons, swords, hourglasses, goblets, and hearts.



Some of the well-known pirates was “Black Bart”, otherwise referred to as Bartholomew Roberts. He was originally from Wales, and in his 4 12 months profession captured effectively over four hundred ships and accrued incredible wealth. It is said that he was a brilliant, fearless, and progressive seaman. His fleet scoured the seas on the lookout for treasure, and he inspired fear and dread in governments and citizens alike.

The governments of the Caribbean islands of Barbados and Martinique had been keen to see an end to his seafaring activities. In 1720, “Black Bart” captured the governor of Martinique and hung him from the mast of his ship. The flag he would fly represented the non-public vendetta he had against the islands and its inhabitants. His flag consisted of a picture of a person (presumably Bart) with a flaming sword in hand, standing with a cranium underneath each foot. The letters “ABH” and “AMH” have been inscribed under the skulls, and stood for “A Bahamian’s Head” and “A Martinicans Head”.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Flexible Employee Benefits telecoms consultants cold chain technologies ccgseo1979

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