Jolly Roger Flag: Meaning and History

History of the flag

Appearing in the early XVIIIth century, the ‘Jolly Roger’ takes its name from the apparent amusement of the skull.

It was used for intimidation purposes, but was also a tribute to life, and not an idolization of death.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

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  The skull represents inevitable death, a brutal reminder of the fate reserved for resistance fighters.

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  The crossed tibias evoke executions and reinforce the threatening message.

• The black background signals danger and death, used to terrify enemy ships into surrendering without a fight.