Jolly Roger

History

The classic skull-and-crossbones Jolly Roger became the dominant pirate flag during the Golden Age of Piracy (roughly 1680–1730). Flying a black flag signalled pirates' willingness to give quarter if the target surrendered; a red flag meant no quarter would be given.

Colors

Black, White

Black was associated with death; the skull and crossbones reinforced the message of mortal danger.

Symbols

Skull and crossbones on black field

The skull represented death; the crossbones represented danger. Flying the Jolly Roger was a psychological tactic — a warning to surrender or face no quarter.