What is the origin of the Jolly Roger?
The title Jolly Roger is thought to come from the French phrase “joli rouge” which means “pretty red”. The original pirate flags were blood red rather than black and white and this signalled that no mercy would be given once the pirates boarded and battle ensued.
What does Jolly Roger stand for?
Jolly Roger is the traditional English name for the flags flown to identify a pirate ship about to attack, during the early 18th century (the later part of the Golden Age of Piracy). It went on to become the most commonly used pirate flag during the 1720s, although other designs were also in use.
Why are pirate flags Black?
The flag was certainly meant to announce their presence, and the pirates, enterprising men that they were, quickly found that they could convey their intent to ships in their path with their banners: black flags indicated that they were pirates and that they would consider providing quarter, while a red flag bearing …
How did most pirates die?
Many pirates died from blood poisoning after injuries that could be easily treated today. On top of that, pirates lived in close quarters, so it was easy for infection to spread from one person to another. This would lead to epidemics of the flu, diarrhea and other contagious diseases on a ship.
Did pirates eat oranges?
In fact, if a ship had been at sea for a few months chances are that all the pirates had to eat were stale, dry crackers covered in weevils. Plus not eating enough good food often made them sick. Scurvy was common, due to a lack of vitamin C (found in lemons, limes and oranges).
Why did pirates drink rum?
Rum, distilled from sugar, however, was cheaper to transport and so became a staple export. This meant that many of the ships attacked by pirates were laden with barrels of rum, ripe for the taking. They could be sold for a pretty price, but pirates tended to drink a fair chunk of this kind of loot.
What drink did pirates drink?
To mourn the end of the ration, some sailors wore black arm bands. Of course, sailors and pirates didn’t just drink rum straight. To make it more palatable, they would mix it with a bit of water to make grog; or water, sugar, and nutmeg (to make bumbo). Today, consumers tend to prefer mojitos and Mai Tais.