Ahoy, Kids and All Readers!
Yes, I’m still talking like a pirate. And for a good cause: The four detectives and I are busy writing the first draft of The Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries series Book 7, Macadamia Street: Hidden Skeleton. And we’re having a jolly good time of it, too! Prepare for tales of cutthroat pirates, treasure galore, and pirate culture within a present-day mystery, releasing this fall.
This brings me to the flag–the Jolly Roger–hoisted aloft on some pirate ships toward the end of The Golden Age of Maritime Piracy. This flag still strikes fear into hearts, minds, and souls on sea and land. I incorporated some of its fascinating historical details you’ll want to read into the mystery.
During a lesson guided by the kids’ tutor, Bruce Wilding, the four detectives worked cooperatively to glean much information about the Jolly Roger. Here are highlights from their enthralling presentations:
LEXI–“We think of the Jolly Roger in connection with pirates. Even though The Golden Age of Piracy started around 1650, the Jolly Roger didn’t appear on pirate ships’ masts until around 1700. Vexillologists—scientists who study the history, symbolism, and usage of flags—aren’t certain where the flag’s name Jolly Roger came from. But there are several theories. It could have come from two French words joli rouge [jo-LEE-ROOJ], meaning ‘pretty red.’ The red color could have referred to earlier pirates’ red flags, also called ‘bloody’ flags, flown to warn their victims. Red meant ‘no quarter given’—no mercy for captured enemies. Another theory is that it might have come from the English word Roger, slang for a dishonest person, scoundrel, vagabond, or the devil! And Jolly could have meant that pirates saw themselves as happy-go-lucky. Over time, pirate flags in all colors became known as Jolly Rogers.”
MOKI–“From 1700 to 1730, the Jolly Roger was visible on most pirates’ ships. By then, the flags had a black field with various elements like a white skull and crossbones. Sometimes, images of red hearts, birds, daggers, hourglasses, and blood drops were included. But there wasn’t one standardized Jolly Roger for all ships. Pirate captains usually designed their own to send messages to make their enemies tremble. So, the white and colorful symbols on the black flags could be different. The skull and crossbones remained popular because those on land and sea recognized them as symbols of death.” In the story, Moki goes on to discuss six famous pirates’ unique Jolly Rogers.
RANI–“The flags were decorative, symbolizing ships’ captains and crews. Overall, the flags served important purposes. Pirates flew the Jolly Roger as their first weapon against their enemies. The frightening images flapping in the strong winds on the high seas or as ships entered ports seemed to scream, ‘Beware! We’re coming to get you and your treasures. There’s no hope. Throw down your weapons and surrender!’ A Jolly Roger was like a giant sign spelling out a pirate captain’s name and reputation. That alone could make merchants and other pirates give up without a battle. Not having to fight saved the conquering pirates time, effort, resources, their lives, and a large stockpile of treasure from previous plunders while adding what they just captured.” Rani continues by talking about the risks the pirates incurred by flying the Jolly Roger and the tricks they pulled with the flag.
LANNY–“The Jolly Roger has endured for over 300 years and is now associated with rebellion, adventure, and lawlessness. We see the flag on some clothing, wherever pirates are represented, in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, and literature like Robert Louis Stevenson’s book Treasure Island. Various countries’ military branches have used it like some British naval submarines during World Wars I and II when returning home from successful missions. In the United States, some naval air squadrons still use the skull and crossbones insignia on their fighter aircraft, and the squadrons are called ‘The Jolly Rogers.’ The only U.S. naval ship authorized to fly the Jolly Roger is the USS Kidd, and the crew is known as the ‘Pirates of the Pacific.’ And some of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team’s uniforms still have Jolly Rogers on the sleeves. It isn’t illegal in the United States to fly the Jolly Roger on a personal boat, ship, or building. But you might have to deal with scared people misreading your intentions. The Jolly Roger seems to be in our culture to stay!”
So, go smartly there, all Readers, and get a clue! Do you hoist the Jolly Roger? If so, did you design your own? I hope you are looking forward to the release of Macadamia Street: Hidden Skeleton. As always, thank you for your ongoing support.
(Photo Credits, left to right: Harris Rigorad, Masha Mirra, Nati, and Mateusz Dach on pexels.com)
