HENRY AVERY
BLACK BEARDS
What is the history of the Jolly Roger ("Jolie Rouge," in the original French). The name may have also come from old sailor slang for the devil, being Old Roger. What did its symbols and images mean. The symbols used by pirates and their personal flags were used to intimidate and to communicate intentions or warnings to ships they were attempting to seize. Here are some of those symbols and their meanings.An hourglass, or an hourglass with wings: Your time is running out.
Arm grasping sword or dagger: We will show no quarter.
A dancing skeleton or a pirate toasting a skeleton: We have no fear of death.
Spear: We promise a violent death.
A speared heart or bleeding heart: We promise a painful, bloody death.
