The ''Hangman's Jig''

By Crusader1307

The Criminal venture known as Piracy was frought with danger. The most serious of which was being captured by Authorities. Almost always, the verdict was the death sentence. As with most "sea faring" Nations, hanging was the most expediant method of execution. Pirates were noted for their "Gallows Humor", as one would expect with their lifestyle. Although it is unknown (and probably never will be) - who coined the term to "Dance The Hangman's Jig", it's implications were unmistakable. In the Era's parlance, a "jig" was a form of fast, hopping type dance, popular with common types. The Act of hanging as an execution method  involved weight and a proper construction and implementation of a rope. Fashioned from 2-inch in width hemp, a "Jig knot" was the common creation. Wrapping of the "looping" for the knot involved 13 such loops. Proper placement of the rope on the neck, spine and skull - were all important with regards to a "fast or slow" death. Instant separation of the spinal cord (fast), was usually the norm. Although a slow and painful death by strangulation could be arranged (particularly if the Condemned had an unskilled or untrained Executioner). Normal neuro responses of muscular contractions (twitching and shaking), are common in death. As the Condemned died, and these final gasps at life began, it looked for all purposes, as if the Victim  was "dancing a Jig". Often afterwards, the deceased would be Gibbeted (caged and placed on a Harbor inlet). This would serve as a future warning. Sometimes a simple Hangman's Rope was placed (equally telling as a punishment for Piracy).