One of the most notable pirate flags in history is Blackbeard’s flag. The captain’s flag portrayed a skeleton holding a spear impaling a heart. The other hand of toasted to the devil. Captain Blackbeard immediately frightened other ships with the flag.
The pirate Christopher Moody was also famous before he was caught and killed. He traveled along the South Carolina coast during the 1700s and raised a flag with the colour gold and black. Some of the notable symbols on the banner include a gold hourglass with black wings. This meant that the time of his enemies have come to pass. Another symbol is a hand with a knife and the skull with crossbones. The red background stood for the blood of his enemies.
The pirate Emanuel Wynn came from France and is said to be the first one to raise the Jolly Roger flag. The famous banner featured the skull with crossbones. An hourglass was also placed below. Several other pirates followed afterwards, showcasing the skull with crossbones.
The pirate Bartholomew Roberts is known for his Black Bart flag. It had a pirate over several skulls. True to his origin, the words or acronyms “AMH” or “ABH” appear on the flag showing his Barbadian or Martinique roots and conquests.
Pirates in history have changed much today. However, their pirate flags are still used in many occasions. These no longer evoke fear among those who see them but rather encourage a sense of creativity. Children and adults alike dress like pirates and showcase their flag collections.