Bloody flag

Pattern-free red flags, often called bloody flags, or the bloody red (among other names, see § Names), were the traditional nautical symbol in European waters, prior to the invention of flag signal codes, to signify an intention to give battle, and that 'no quarter would be given', indicating that surrender would not be accepted and all prisoners killed, but also vice versa, meaning that the one flying the flag would fight to the last man (defiance to the death). Such flags were traditionally plain but examples with motifs also existed, such as skull and crossbones on some pirate examples (see Jolly Roger).

The origin of bloody flags is unknown, but deep red coloring is strongly associated with the color of blood and thus symbolises suffering and combat. Historical sources mention bloody flags being used by Normans as early as the 13th century, but red-painted shields were used similarly by seafaring Norse warriors in previous centuries. Since the late 18th century, the bloody flag has been transformed into the political flag for revolution (see Red flag (politics)).

Pirate usage

During the Golden Age of Piracy, pirates used bloody flags in combination with the "black flag of piracy" to signal demands and threats to their victims. Initially, a false national flag would be flown as a way to close the gap between the pirate ship and the victim ship. When the victim ship came within gun range, the black flag would be raised, signaling that "quarter would be given" if the enemy surrendered, meaning they would spare the victims after rifling through their cargo. To signal "yes", the victim ship would have to take down their own flag (in naval terminology called "striking the colors"). However, if they refused, or were too slow, the pirates would raise the bloody flag, which would signal that the cargo would be taken by force and that "no quarter would be given" to prisoners.