What Does a Pirate Flag Symbolize? A Few Interesting Facts about Pirate Flags!
Aug 27, 2021
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Many of us are fascinated by pirates who ruled the high seas during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Those who seek thrill and adventure immerse themselves in the history of pirates. The reason behind why so many are interested in pirate culture lies in the adventure part. Pirates had no rules and did what they want while enjoying the seas. In today’s world, people want something that can express their reluctant nature against rules. Also, the fantasy world of pirates is a great choice if one seeks adventures and thrills that a regular, normal life cannot offer.Who are Pirates?
When we look at the pirate history, most of them started out as privateers. These privateers where required to fly a red flag to differentiate themselves from the navy ships. However, they turned into pirates along the time. Pirates are often looked with fear since they kill anyone who doesn’t surrender to them. They were efficient in combat and had an intimidating personality. It is natural for people to fall in love with villainy characters. While pirates actually messed up trades and took people lives, they are seen as a pride by most nowadays.
What is meant by Jolly Roger Flag?
Pirates had flags that were unique for each ship. Each of them had some sort of symbol that aligned with the ideology of that particular pirate. Most flags had a skull and two bones arranged like a cross. This pirate flag has come to be known popularly as “Jolly Roger”.The term Jolly Roger had different meanings like old devil or the French translation which means red color. Red flags were originally used by pirates but as time went on black flags were used. Black was used as a way to express that death is approaching those who cross the pirate’s path.
Different Symbols Used in Pirate Flags
Black colored pirate flags that have a skull and two crossbones are still popular. They meant death simply. However many symbols like a spear piercing a heart, hour glass and others were used. While the spear piercing the heart meant painful and violent death, the hour glass represented fleeing time that brought death too close. Flags also used blood dripping symbol and even the devil with horns.
What did the Flags Mean?
Whatever the symbol and color of a pirate flag might be on a pirate’s ship, it was intimidating. Other ships that saw this flag feared death at the hands of pirate. So, they had two choice of which one was to battle and other, surrender to them. Despite being great in combat, pirates preferred the enemies to surrender since the damage will be less to the ship they are pirating. Pirates also never flew the Jolly Roger flag until they were near to the other ship. Through the flag the pirates conveyed a warning that death was near for those who refused to surrender.
Where to Hang the Pirate Flag?
As we mentioned earlier, there are thousands of people who are avid fans of pirates. They tend to gather many collectibles related to pirates as a hobby or for fun. Flags are one among them. Nowadays custom designed flags that suit your desire are available online with pirate theme. You can hang them in your bedroom wall to add to the aesthetic of your room. Some buy these flags that showcase the Jolly Roger for their boats. If you are a bar owner and looking for a theme to decorate your bar, piracy theme works well. Hang a flag that has a piracy symbol and place some beer barrels near it. It gives a great look to your bar.
Express the Rebel In You!
Many actually buy this pirate flag to express the rebel in them. If you hate to be bound by rules and are rebellious in nature, you can buy this flag. It is a way to show others that you have your own law and do not bow to others. Even bikes can be decorated with this pirate flags. These flags are available in different varieties. Most of them feature a famous pirate on them and can also be based on pirate movies or shows. Whatever the flag you are looking for, you can find them in the internet. Choose one that best reflects your ideology and make others respect you!