Jolly Roger tattoo. Jolly Roger Tattoo Jolly Roger Sketch

Meaning and myths

It is now popular to make various tattoos for yourself, in more detail. However, before sticking any image, hieroglyph or inscription on the body, it is important to find out what this or that drawing means. His story matters too. Skulls are one of the most gutted tattoo elements, and the Jolly Roger tattoo is considered the oldest. This tattoo was used by pirates, and the image of Roger is the most striking expression of the sea robbers.

Classically, it means: "Surrender without a fight." Seeing from afar the flag with the Jolly Roger, it was really worth it for the loaded ships to give away the treasures hidden in the holds without bloodshed. Another meaning of a tattoo that exists in the circles of masters is the personification of ancestors, black magic, a protector and adviser - in some way the wisdom of past generations. Everyone chooses their own meaning, deciding to fill the Jolly Roger.

Who is the tattoo suitable for?

Pirates led a wild life: they robbed, robbed in the open sea, did not obey any laws and codes. In fact, they were absolutely free people who did not bear responsibility to anyone, did not recognize the authority of the government over themselves. Therefore, such a tattoo is suitable primarily for those people who still behave in this way - they prefer to live the way they themselves want, not paying attention to accepted social values and other people's invented rules.

Where is the best place to look?

Stuffing the Jolly Roger is best here: forearm, back, chest, stomach. If the pattern requires a lot of space, usually and a voluminous expression, thighs or calves are not suitable for stuffing. But small images of a skull with crossbones will look great and original on absolutely any part of the body.

Will it hurt?

It will, of course, however, all tattoos are currently done only with anesthesia, so the discomfort from the process is minimized. It is not recommended to drink alcohol before applying the drawing, as it thins the blood and this can significantly spoil the result.

A bottle of rum, an eye patch, a wooden leg, a parrot on his shoulder, treasure maps, chests full of gold and, of course, a flag with a Jolly Roger - we all associate this with pirates. Pirate romance is not alien to modern adventurers. This is due to adventure literature and many films showing the life of sea robbers as interesting, full of risk and exciting adventures. The Jolly Roger has become a kind of symbol of pirates and everything connected with them. Not surprisingly, it is also found in tattoos. Therefore, today we will take a closer look at the meaning of the Jolly Roger tattoo, the origin of this symbol and the most suitable styles for it.

Why exactly Roger?

In fact, there was no single flag for all pirates. The flag with the image of a skull and crossbones was indeed used by pirates of the 17th-18th centuries, but not all of them. The ships of the sea robbers sailed under different flags. For example, if pirates wanted to attack a Spanish ship, they could raise the English flag, and in order to avoid a battle with an English warship, they hung out the Dutch flag, because England had relatively warm relations with Holland. Everything depended on the specific situation or on the sympathy of the pirates for this or that state.

So where did the Jolly Roger come from then? It is believed that a certain Emmanuel Vine depicted the first Jolly Roger on his flag. An hourglass was also adorned next to the skull, hinting that the enemy had little time left.

The name itself has several versions of its origin. According to the first of them, the English name "Jolly Roger" comes from the French "Joyeux Rouge", which means bright red. The fact is that corsairs raised red flags when the enemy surrendered. The English were uncomfortable pronouncing French words, so bright red and transformed into a consonant Jolly Roger.

The second version says that the flag got its name thanks to King Roger II of Sicily, who won many victories in naval battles. Its flag featured crossbones on a red background.

The third version also sounds very plausible. If any contagious disease began to rage on the ship, a black flag was usually raised with two intersecting diagonal lines of white. For other ships, this served as a signal not to approach, so as not to endanger their crew. Pirates often used this to avoid battles with warships.

In any case, the Jolly Roger is a clear symbol of piracy and the romance of sea travel.

What does the Jolly Roger say about you?

Jolly Roger absolutely does not care whether he will show off on a female body or on a male one, because the spirit of adventurism can be close to each of us. So, what does the Jolly Roger tattoo mean?

Freedom. Pirates are perhaps the only free people of that era. Yes, their life was connected with constant risk, dangers lay in wait for them at every step, but this did not prevent them from being free and obeying only their own will. A person who chooses a tattoo with a pirate symbol longs for the same freedom. Perhaps he has even already freed himself from the shackles that society puts on us with its conventions and formalities, and now he wants to declare this to everyone around him.
Disregard for the rules. Pirates are alien to the laws that apply to ordinary citizens, they have their own rules. The Jolly Roger tattoo indicates that a person is his own master and his own law. Within reason, of course.
Life for your pleasure. If a person is close to the symbolism of the Jolly Roger, this suggests that he does not want to take on additional responsibility, he simply enjoys life and does not burden himself with too serious thoughts.

What styles are close to the Jolly Roger?

Talented realistic work always looks cool. Realism allows you to depict the smallest details as they really are, to convey emotions, for example, an aggressive grin of a skull or a malevolent smirk. This style of execution is very complex, so carefully study the portfolio of the master before contacting him, because not everyone can do such work with high quality.

Another style that suits the Jolly Roger is old school. This style originated among sailors and is closely related to the nautical theme. Bright, contrasting colors and sharp, wide edges make the image stand out and eye-catching.

Pirates are the kings of the seas, desperate rebels who frightened everyone, even the most courageous sailors. Despite the fact that the pirates were essentially robbers, they are remembered to this day. The pirate theme is also popular as an idea for a tattoo. Not everyone dares to depict an image with a robber and a bully on their body, but lovers of the marine theme like this character.

Pirate tattoos, origin story

Pirates- these are sea robbers who plied the seas and oceans, and less often rivers. The very name "Pirate" carries the meaning "Try, test." That is, the one who is engaged in piracy is trying his luck, trying everything in order to get more for himself. Pirates made their money by robbing other people's ships, often killing the entire crew of the attacked ship. In many countries, sea robbers, who nevertheless managed to be caught, were executed in crowded places: in squares, markets.

In most minds, pirates are burly men, with beards or mustaches, or both. They are fearless, brutal and arouse the interest of the opposite sex. Pirate tattoos, photos of which can be found on the Internet, often represent this version of a sea robber. However, you can find other options, for example, a man with a hook instead of a hand or a sexy girl in the form of a pirate, with a bandage and a sword.

An example of a pirate ship tattoo on the shoulder

Is the Jolly Roger also a pirate?

The pirate flag with the smiley and crossbones got its own name - Jolly Roger. Previously, there was no single pirate flag. This was due to the fact that it was extremely important for the robbers to remain unrecognized. Pirates could not sneak up on peaceful ships with such an identification mark. However, in the future, pirates began to use this sign on their ships. There is an opinion that this happened due to the fact that during the plague or cholera epidemics, special flags were used on ships: two crossed white sticks on a black background. This meant that the ship was infected. Pirates began to use a similar image in order to avoid being attacked by other ships.

Skull and crossbones Jolly Roger: pirate tattoo

Important! In the original version, the Jolly Roger was next to the hourglass, as if to say "Time is running out!". Pirate tattoos, which vary in meaning depending on the image, often include the symbol of the Jolly Roger.

Pirate tattoo of a ship in a storm

The meaning of a tattoo with a pirate

Many nations have their own interpretation of images with pirates. So, croutons were repelled directly from the meaning of this word. Therefore, for them, pirate tattoos, the sketches of which could contain any additional elements, meant a person who is looking for happiness, trying something new to find a place in life. However, not everyone adheres to this interpretation. Images of pirates on the skin can have the following meanings:

Another type of pirate tattoo in the form of a compass on the arm

Violence and cruelty. Such a tattoo is preferred by people who consider themselves tough and capable of much. This designation is used mainly by men;
rebellion. Such tattoos are applied by both men and girls. Most often, the image contains some comical elements. For example, a pirate with a bottle of rum and a parrot on his shoulder. Pirate girl in an interesting pose and an eye patch.
Wealth hunter. Pirates first of all got riches. Therefore, their image is associated with the desire to earn a lot of money, to acquire material values. Someone hopes that such an image will help him attract easy money.
Lure for good luck. Who, no matter how a pirate, should expect gifts from fate? It is believed that a pirate is a gentleman of fortune, a robber of the seas and rivers. The image of these rebels helps fortune to pay attention to the tattoo wearer.

Old school pirate tattoo

pirate ships

Separately, it is worth noting pirate ships, which are also common among tattoo lovers. If a simple ship is primarily associated with a romantic nature, and only secondarily with freedom, then pirate ship tattoos are a symbol of ease of movement and a protest against existing rules and laws. Such images are applied by those who love adventure and change of place..

Recently I put on my back an image of a ship, but not a simple one, but decorated with a pirate flag. I chose the sketch for a long time, I wanted it to emphasize my slightly hooligan character and love of rebellion. But I also had a desire to denote my feminine sentimentality. I think this tattoo is just right for me!

Anna, Volgograd

Pirate with a dagger in his mouth

Myths related to pirates

One of the main myths associated with the personality of a pirate is the famous black armband. Vision problems in those days existed for many, this did not mean that these people belonged to thieves or robbers. However, after the mention of such a bandage in the book Treasure Island, few pirates do without this peculiar accessory.

It is interesting! There were pirates who received permission for their criminal activities from the rulers. They were called capers. They had in their hands a kind of license, which said that everything done by this pirate is done for the benefit of the state. In turn, the "offended" captain of the robbed vessel was allowed to apply for the same paper in order to take revenge on the offender.

Pirate tattoo with one eye

There is also a myth that pirates hid their treasures in caves or buried treasure in the ground. However, this is also being questioned. The age of a pirate is not long, so all funds were spent almost immediately in the nearest taverns. Although perhaps someone was lucky enough to find a pirate treasure.

I got a pirate tattoo on almost my entire back. I have a pirate in the best Stevenson tradition: with an eye patch, in wide trousers, with a bandana tied. I liked this sketch right away. There is some kind of recklessness in it! I recommend to all lovers of freedom to make a drawing with a pirate.

Oleg, Zelenodolsk

Video compilation of tattoos with pirates

One of the most popular symbols in the field of body painting turned out to be a skull - a symbol of pirates and a favorite of creative people. A couple of centuries ago, the meaning of the Jolly Roger tattoo was clear to everyone - a pirate is standing in front of you and it is better to take your feet faster. However, today pirates can only be seen in the movies, and the symbol itself is portrayed with such skill and framing that even girls adorn their bodies with it.

The classic look of the Jolly Roger tattoo is a skull with crossbones under it, like on a pirate flag. In the modern world, such an image can be found on containers with poison, electrical panels and in museums of fine art. We are aware of more than 50 paintings included in the list of heritage of world culture, which depict the ancestor of the Jolly Roger. So, if none of the sketches proposed by the master suits you, you can take as a basis the plot of the paintings written in the vanitas genre, where there are a dime a dozen of these skulls and other inanimate natures.

What does the Jolly Roger tattoo mean?

In general, it is not difficult to guess the meaning of a tattoo, although it is interpreted in different ways. For some, this is danger, death, the other world, black magic. For others, it is wisdom, knowledge, memory of ancestors, protection, a talisman and even power. Theatergoers can draw Poor Yorick on their bodies, and loudly proclaim his name every time someone pays attention to an unusual tattoo. And someone will just like the picture and, purely for aesthetic reasons, he will perpetuate it somewhere on his body, without worrying what the Jolly Roger tattoo means.

In any case, you need to be brave and free from the opinions of others. Here you have to explain to everyone why you have a rose on your wrist, but about the appearance of a skull, you will have to compose and rehearse a whole finished version. But, it will immediately be clear that this dude does not put a finger in his mouth.

On what part of the body will we stuff the skull?

And so, so we smoothly moved on to the parts of the body on which the skull looks best. Of course, this is a large muscular arm, back or chest due to the slightly elongated and demanding shape of the picture. But slender thin people also find where to put a new friend - small images look good on any part of the body. Do you remember that this is forever? Therefore, a friend and not otherwise.

Girls need to take seriously the choice of a place for a tattoo. The picture should not spoil the overall impression of your beauty. Therefore, the symbol should be simple and small. If you choose a Jolly Roger tattoo in an intricate style with a lot of detail, then the larger the design, the more beautiful it will look.

You should also know that not all parts of the body should be tattooed, and at the same time, these are different places for guys and girls. Either she will not hold on, or the area of \u200b\u200bthe body is so tender that not everyone can endure this pain. So, if the master gives recommendations, then you need to listen to them. Moreover, not only in choosing a part of the body for drawing a picture, but also in caring for it, because the first 2 weeks are decisive for the appearance of a tattoo. Follow the instructions given to you strictly.

Significance for men

The meaning of the Jolly Roger tattoo tells us that its wearer loves adventure, is bold and better not to joke with him. In general, the one who decided to fill such a tattoo is already an adventurer in his soul or wants to acquire this quality. Often, we put on the body those images whose energy we would like to bring into our lives. Therefore, if you have the owner of such a tattoo in front of you, then this is either a merry fellow, or a daring rebel, or a connoisseur of gothic and occultism, or just liked the picture.

Significance for women

As one of the owners of the tattoo with a skull admitted, for her he is like a protector and adviser. Among the female half (and sometimes male), this symbol is attributed the meaning of death or birth, wisdom, black magic, protection from dark forces or, conversely, the image of a skull indicates that its owner is under their protection. Depending on what details are present next to the skull, it also begins to be interpreted differently. For example, a crown on a skull is a sign of power, a raven next to a skull means wisdom or death. Even the location of that raven is important here. If he is depicted riding Roger, then it is clear that Yorick is long dead, and you captured it for centuries. Directly from the painting "The Apotheosis of War" by Vasily Vereshchagin.

What style of Jolly Roger looks best?

Of course, we express a subjective opinion here, and you can express your preferences in the comments to this review. We have selected some successful photos of the Jolly Roger tattoo, and you can see for yourself that in the Realism style it will be really cool! Also suitable for (men) and (girls). You can also try Chicano, Baroque, engraving, stenciling and trash polka realism.

Now let's talk about time and pain. The first question that is asked to the master before performing a tattoo is whether it will hurt. Of course, it will hurt, but not like before. It is no secret that now tattoos are made only with anesthesia, and not like a hundred years ago, under alcohol. By the way, we do not recommend drinking alcohol for anesthesia. The blood thins and begins to flow during the drawing. The quality and the master himself suffer from this.

The execution time of a large picture can take several stages (or rather, days) if it is a time-consuming style with many drawings. Often, a contour is made, the client goes to rest for a week, while he heals, and then the rest is completed. But it all depends on the master and your capabilities. By the way, we are waiting for your stories from you, how you made your tattoos and what meaning the Jolly Roger tattoo has for you personally.

And here is a brief summary of the whole story:

Meaning - you are a pirate or their fan, life and death, the occult, wisdom, challenge.
Performance time - 5 hours 2-3 sessions.
The best place and style for a tattoo in men is biceps, back (realism, old school).
The best place and style for a tattoo in women is the back, neck, feet (new school, baroque).

Photos and sketches of the Jolly Roger tattoo