Jolly Roger Pirate Flag

The "Jolly Roger" is used to refer to the skull and crossbones flag (white on black) which is associated with Caribbean pirates. The symbol which has long been considered a symbol of death is found on tombstones, crypts and on ships’ logs to denote deceased sailors.

In the early 1500's, pirates known as French Boucaniers, or buccaneers kept two battle flags, one plain red and one plain black. Before a battle, the captain would hoist one or the other to show whether quarter was being given.  The red flag meant "no quarter" or slaughter the enemy, the black to take prisoners. As pirate warfare became more brutal, the two different flags were generally replaced by just one, which was usually black and often defaced.  Even though the colour evolved to black the name remained the Jolie Rouge or Jolly Roger.

Many pirates would fly the flag of their country until battle, when the black flag was raised. This was especially true if the of a privateer - who sailed for a particular country and carried a letter of marquee, from the country's ruler, granting permission to prey on enemy ships.  More independent pirates, such as Blackbeard, kept a collection of flags on board and simply rose whichever was most convenient in any given situation.

Flag Measures 36 in x 60 in and is 100% polyester with grommets for easy flying.