The Jolly Roger

One of the few authentic Jolly Rogers in existence. The term Jolly Roger comes from the historic claim that "Joli Rouge" ("Pretty Red") is a reference to a red flag used by French privateers. This is attributed to red blood, symbolizing violent pirates, ready to attack and kill. Pirates are known for their cunning ability to stalk a target and take it down ruthlessly. Death follows them; whether it is unfortunate passengers or resisting sailors or the pirates themselves, the grim reaper typically had a healthy harvest each time pirates set sail. ‘Roger’ is an old English word for a ‘wandering vagabond’ which certainly fits the typical pirate. These ‘rogers’ possessed sharp wit to remain alive and with death always at their door, they probably had a cynical mindset too.  ‘Live as much as you can today, there may be no tomorrow’.  That pirates living in the 1700s, the heyday of piracy, sailed about with the name “Jolly Roger” for their black flags is a testament to the dark humor of the