Bizarre Pirate Traditions Most People Don't Know About (Video)
Pirate culture, often portrayed as a romanticized tale of swashbuckling adventure, actually harbored numerous peculiar traditions. These customs, largely overlooked in popular depictions, reveal a complex society beyond the ruthless facade. One such tradition involved pirates adorning themselves with extravagant earrings not just for fashion, but as a practical means of protection against potential auditory damage during cannon blasts. These earrings also served as a form of insurance, as they could be melted down for cash in dire circumstances.
- Is This the Real Reason Why Pirates Wore Eyepatches?
- Be My Matelotage! The Civil Union of 17th Century Pirates
Matelotage, a form of companionship among pirates, exemplified the bonds forged at sea, where partners shared property, affection, and even sexual partners. This arrangement, though frowned upon by some authorities, reflected the close-knit community aboard pirate ships. Additionally, the invention of grog, a concoction of rum, lemon juice, and sugar, demonstrated pirates' resourcefulness in combating the harsh realities of life at sea.
While legends of buried treasure persist, the reality reveals a more pragmatic approach to plunder, with most loot consisting of everyday goods ripe for immediate sale. Despite their brutality, pirates adhered to a code of conduct, punishing transgressors with marooning, a slow and solitary death sentence reserved for the most egregious offenses. Delving into these obscure customs unveils a nuanced portrait of piracy beyond the swashbuckling stereotypes.
Top image: An illustration of William Captain Kidd relaxing on the deck. Source: Public Domain
