Pirate flags are not only legendary, they were real as well. In the real world of pirates, the flags were each customized for the pirate captain and crew. Each ship strove to set itself apart by having its very own pirate flag design.
Everyone has heard of and seen the famous Jolly Roger pirate flag, but there were countless variations on this design theme. Flags on the open sea had great significance for all ships back during the age of exploration. It was very important for ships to be able to distinguish friendly ships from unfriendly ships, and the flags were the indicator.
Eventually, pirates started making and flying their own flags. The pirate culture had its own codes of conduct, and pirate ships flew their own flags for purposes of intimidation. Backgrounds for pirate flags were red or black, but most people think of a black background as the traditional pirate flag background color. But before black flags came red flags. Both colors were important symbolically.
Red symbolized the shedding of blood, and that the pirates would give no mercy to those captured. But it didn't take long for black pirate flags to become more popular. The black background symbolized death, and was also flown on ships carrying plague victims to warn other ships. Eventually the pirate flags added symbols to their flags, including the famous skull and crossbones and other symbols like swords and hour glasses (to indicate to other ships that their time was up).
Blackbeard's flag was and is one of the more well-known flags. On a black background, it features a skeleton putting a spear through a heart, while holding in his other hand a toast to the devil. Blackbeard certainly got the intimidation factor right!
Christopher Moody was an 18th century pirate off the coast of South Carolina, and not much more is known about him, except that he was captured and hung. His pirate flag is memorable because it uses mostly gold on a red background. From left to right, the flag features a gold hourglass with black wings (symbolizing that the enemy's time was up), a white arm and hand holding a dagger, and a traditional skull over crossbones. The red background symbolized blood, and that Moody and his men had deadly intentions.
Emanuel Wynn was a French pirate, and some believe that he was the first pirate to fly the Jolly Roger flag, though there is no definitive proof. His flag had a skull atop crossbones, and an hourglass underneath.
The Black Bart flag is attributed to Bartholomew Roberts. It has on it a pirate balancing on top of skulls. Beneath the skulls are the letters "ABH" and "AMH" which are abbreviations for "A Barbadian's Head" and "A Martiniquan's Head."
Pirates as most people think of them were real, and they are a source of fascination to this day, as is evident in the number of pirate-themed games, movies, and Halloween costumes. The most widespread use of pirates today are in team sports. There are pirate mascots in almost every town, from t-ball to professional sports teams. Pirate flags are an integral part of pirate lore, with their ability to intimidate and their clever designs, which often have many layers of meaning due to the symbols depicted on them.
Couples costume ideas for Halloween are just fun. It's always good to match your mate, especially when you go to a costume party or are wandering around in the dark! The first step in selecting costumes is to decide what theme you want to dress in - spooky, sexy or just fun-loving. There are many costumes for couples available in all three.
Spooky Costumes
The Gothic Vampire and the Gothic Vampira is a classic match. Custom Vampire Fangs in Coffin are a great accessory for men and women usually prefer the "Love Bites" Deluxe Custom Fangs which comes in a heart box. The fangs just slip onto your original teeth which is way more comfortable than a plastic mouthpiece.
The costume is perfectly complemented with the Modern Vampire Wig for the man and either the Goth Vampira Wig or the Vamp Wig for the lady. Add a lovely piece of jewelry, perhaps the Blood Stone set, after all, even a lady of the night needs her jewels. Liquid blood caps and the Everlasting Kiss Kit top off the costumes. If you are into shoes, like I am, you will appreciate the black and red Vampyra adult shoes with an open toe.
If you don't want to be bloodsuckers, you might be interested in the Mummy King and Mummy Queen outfits or the Skeleton Zombie outfit matched with the Mummy Bride. For engaged or married people, the Corpse Groom and the Corpse Bride are a favorite. Make sure to make it realistic with the black rose bouquet for the corpse bride.
Sexy Couples Costumes
The Handsome Devil Elite costume is great for a man and it is even better with his girl dressed in the Devil's Delight costume on his arm.
Of course military costumes are attractive, and you've got to admit a Sailor's uniform is quite striking. Take a look at the Seafaring Sailor costume and the matching Sexy Sailor Adult Costume for women, complemented by the Matey Shoes. Don't you love the matching shoes? They are cute, ladies! They are blue and white "Matey" peep-toe shoes with a white bow topped by a red anchor, "Anchors Away " in these hot heels!
If you are into sports, the Pleated Penalizer Referee costume accompanied by those cute Taylor Boots, that are actually sneakers, goes great with the Tight End Adult Costume or the Everlast Boxer outfit. No unnecessary roughness going on here, Ref.
Robin Hood and Robyn Hood also make a great couple and Renaissance costumes are always a popular choice. Bring some gold coins for Robin to give to the poor (your friends!), after all, isn't that what he is famous for?
Fun Loving Couples Costumes
Now, couples costume ideas just wouldn't be complete without the Ball and Chain costume. This costume actually connects the couple with a strap. It is detachable of course. Great for those newly weds with a sense of humor.
The Plug and Socket costume is also very popular along with the Bacon and Eggs. You know, they just go together. These are sure to get a genuine laugh out of everyone. Perhaps you will win as the funniest costume of the party.
If you want to go back in time and look "groovy", you will love the Babe Adult Costume for Couples. It simulates Sonny and Cher and reminds us of the good old " I Got You Babe" days. If there is a grooviest prize, consider it won with this duo's costume.
