As a maritime historian with a focus on the Golden Age of Piracy, I am often asked about the origins of the Jolly Roger, the infamous pirate flag. The Jolly Roger is a symbol of piracy that has been ingrained in popular culture, and its origins are shrouded in mystery and folklore. However, through historical records and scholarly research, we can piece together a more accurate picture of its origins.

The term "Jolly Roger" itself is believed to have originated from the French term "Joli Rouge," which pirates used to refer to their red flag. It is also suggested that the term could be a corruption of "Old Roger," a nickname for the devil, reflecting the pirates' disregard for societal norms and their willingness to engage in acts considered evil by the standards of their time.

Regarding the design of the Jolly Roger, it is important to note that the iconic skull and crossbones, while a common representation today, was not the only design used by pirates. There were various versions of the flag, each with its own unique features. The earliest known depiction of a pirate flag with a skull and crossbones is from the early 18th century, but this does not necessarily mean it was the first.

The account you mentioned by Richard Hawkins, who was captured by pirates in 1724, provides a significant clue. Hawkins reported that the pirates had a black flag with a skeleton stabbing a heart with a spear. This description differs from the modern depiction of the Jolly Roger, suggesting that there may have been multiple designs in use at the time.

It is also worth noting that Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is often credited with popularizing the Jolly Roger. He is said to have used a black flag with a skeleton and an hourglass, symbolizing that those who faced his ship had little time left to live. This design is quite distinct from the traditional skull and crossbones and adds to the variety of Jolly Roger flags.

Another pirate, known as Captain Kidd, is said to have used a red flag with a skeleton under a banner that read "Surrender or Die." This flag was meant to intimidate his enemies and show that he would not hesitate to engage in violence if necessary.

The Jolly Roger was not just a symbol of piracy; it was also a tool of psychological warfare. Pirates would hoist the Jolly Roger to intimidate their targets into surrendering without a fight, thereby reducing the risk of damage to their own ship and increasing their chances of a successful plunder.

In conclusion, the Jolly Roger is a complex symbol with a rich history. While the skull and crossbones is the most recognizable design today, historical accounts suggest that there were various versions of the flag used by pirates. The origins of the Jolly Roger are not definitively known, but it is clear that it evolved over time and was used by pirates as a means of intimidation and to signify their defiance of the law.

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Neither Spriggs' nor Roberts' Jolly Roger consisted of a skull and crossbones. Richard Hawkins, who was captured by pirates in 1724, reported that the pirates had a black flag bearing the figure of a skeleton stabbing a heart with a spear, which they named "Jolly Roger".read more >>