Jolly Roger Flag

Jolly Roger History

The Jolly Roger, a fearsome symbol of piracy, has captured imaginations for centuries. While its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, its iconic design of a skull and crossbones on a black background has become synonymous with the golden age of piracy.

The term “Jolly Roger” is believed to have originated in the late 17th or early 18th century. It’s thought to be a corruption of the French phrase “joli rouge,” which means “pretty red,” possibly referring to a red flag used by French privateers. However, the black flag with a skull and crossbones became the most common design.

The skull and crossbones symbol is believed to have been adopted as a warning of impending death and danger. It was a way for pirates to let potential victims know that they were facing a crew of ruthless individuals who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

While the Jolly Roger is often associated with the Golden Age of Piracy (roughly 1650 to 1730), it continued to be used by pirates and outlaws well into the 19th century. Today, the Jolly Roger remains a popular symbol in popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and video games.