What is Blue Jacket? The Comprehensive Reference to Its Numerous Interpretations

If you want to know what a blue jacket is, you may not expect a simple response at first. It is, rather, a multifaceted product of cultural and social facts, experiences, and stories. The scope of the meanings is broad since it can mean a navy sailor, a great leader among the Shawnee tribe, or a hockey team. Who would have guessed that a term so likened to a naval officer could take on so many different meanings? In this article, we will look into every aspect of the word "blue jacket".

The Original Blue Jacket: A Sailor's Nickname

The navy nickname "bluejacket" was firstly used as a sailor. This term has its origin in maritime tradition and is deeply linked to naval service, uniforms, and training that makes up a sailor.

Understanding the Navy "Bluejacket"

In naval language, a "bluejacket" is a slang term for enlisted sailors, particularly those serving in the U.S. Navy and British Navy. The nickname is used to refer to junior enlisted members of the crew—those below the Chief Petty Officer rank. In this sense, it is a term of kinship rather than a formal rank.

The Uniform's History and Change

The label originates from the actual dark-blue jackets that were part of the naval uniforms for many years. Navy officers selected the indigo blue since this dye held fast to its color, unaffected by the sun or moisture of the sea. This was good for practical sailing conditions.

The U.S. Navy's earliest uniform rules were set in 1797. The colors of blue and gold were confirmed as the signature colors. It was this decision that created the visual identity of the American sailor. It also originated the "bluejacket," a term that would accompany them throughout the years.

More than Just a Uniform: The Bluejacket's Manual

It was through one of their famous books, The Bluejacket's Manual, that the term became widespread. The manual's first edition released in 1902 and it is sent to every recruit during boot camp. It is not only the first book for them in the navy but also the foundation of their career.

As mentioned in A Brief History of the Blue Jacket's Manual, this book was written to gather everything needed into a unique place. It deals with naval rules and traditions, seamanship, safety and so on. It is more than a textbook—it is an initiation.

One retired officer called the manual "the Navy bible." It is the embodiment of a tradition that links together new recruits with the sailors of the present and past. The pages of the manual are filled with the lessons and values of the service.

The Esteemed Leader: Chief Blue Jacket of the Shawnee Nation

Different from the navy side, the name Blue Jacket represents a giant in Native American history. This context is the foundation for understanding the term's full meaning.

Who Was Chief Blue Jacket (Weyapiersenwah)?

Blue Jacket (or Weyapiersenwah) was a crucial war chief of the Shawnee people. He was a driving force in the Northwest Indian War (1785-1795). The conflict was a bloody tale where tribes allied to subdue settlers in the Ohio Country.

He was a mastermind and diplomat. He was the one who united different tribes against a common danger. Thus he was the precursor of the better-known Shawnee chief, Tecumseh. His story constitutes a significant part of the history of American pioneers and the resistance of Native Americans. You can read more about Blue jacket - (Appalachian Studies).

Exposing the Spread of a Lie

For many years, there was a widespread myth claiming that Chief Blue Jacket was actually a white man named Marmaduke Van Swearingen. The account said he was a white man captured and adopted by the Shawnee, and this tale was turned into drama.

However, recent research has conclusively disproven this rumor. As per scientific consensus and genetic testing, Blue Jacket was indeed a Shawnee. Accepting this truth is the only way of paying respect to the identity and legacy of this leader of the indigenous community.

Sailor vs. Chief: Contexts of Two Different Histories

The possibility of confusion is present due to the two meanings of "blue jacket." The best way to clarify is by setting these two historical identities side by side.

Blue Jacket Provides a Quick Overview: A Comparison Table

Modern Meanings: "Blue Jacket" in Culture

Besides the sailor and chief, the term "blue jacket" has also made it into other fields of modern culture. More often than not, it brings its historical connections with it.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL Team)

Many people, when they are wondering what is a blue jacket today, are thinking of the professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who were established in 2000, have their name as a tribute to Ohio's history.

The specific name refers to the blue jackets worn by the Union soldiers during the Civil War. Ohio has a rich-fighting tradition with a massive number of Union soldiers. The name embodies the pride and legacy of a community. It's important to note that the team's name doesn't mention either the naval term or the Shawnee chief.

Other Notable Uses

The name also occurs under different circumstances. These references often connect to history and nature.

• Ships: The name was an honorific on several ships. Such are the 1854 famous clipper ship Blue Jacket and the USS Blue Jacket (T-AF-51), a cargo ship of the U.S. Navy. The latter, fittingly enough, was named in memory of the Shawnee chief.
• Botany: Mother Nature also has her version of the story, where the wildflower Tradescantia ohiensis is sometimes referred to as "bluejacket." This is because of its stunning blue florets.

The Continuity of the Blue Jacket Symbolism

Across the various senses, we can recognize the common element that sticks to the term "blue jacket." The "blue jacket" is a very strong symbol of identity, obligation, and ancestry. It is a name that signifies belonging to a group defined by a shared purpose.

The sailor sees it as a representation of the tradition of service and the commitment to sea life. In contrast, the chief's jacket symbolizes the struggle, leadership, and the mission to preserve his people's lifestyle. The same thing goes for the sports team and its city, as the name stands for the connection to the state history and the pride in the local community.

At Eton Garment, we regard this feeling of continuity and history highly. Building high-quality and long-lasting clothing is our principal enterprise. A properly tailored garment, similar to a historic name, entails a narrative of devotion and strength.

The Blue Jacket FAQ Section

To smooth over any remaining doubts, we have assembled a set of responses to the most frequently asked queries regarding the term.

1. Are all sailors called bluejackets?

No. The title "bluejacket" refers specifically to junior enlisted sailors. The term is not applicable to commissioned officers or senior enlisted leaders such as the Chief Petty Officers. Those groups have their individual designations and customs.

2. Why are the Columbus Blue Jackets named after Civil War soldiers and not sailors?

The name was chosen to honor the significant contribution the state of Ohio made to the Union Army during the Civil War. The state had a very high number of soldiers per capita. The "blue jackets" of their uniforms became an emblem of local and state pride.

3. Is The Bluejacket's Manual still used today?

Yes, absolutely! It has gone through more than 25 revisions and updates since its first publication in 1902. A copy of The Bluejacket's Manual is still issued to each recruit at U.S. Navy boot camp. It is still the basis of information for modern sailors.

4. Was Chief Blue Jacket really a white man?

No, he was not. This is a persistent myth from the 19th century. Modern historical research and DNA analysis have absolutely proven that Chief Blue Jacket (Weyapiersenwah) was born a Shawnee. He was a remarkable indigenous leader.

5. What is the difference between a "bluejacket" and a "redcoat"?

The terms refer to two distinct types of military personnel from separate historical contexts. "Bluejacket" is a nickname for a naval sailor (historically American or British). "Redcoat" was a common nickname for soldiers in the British Army, named for the red uniforms they wore, especially during the American Revolution.

Conclusion: A Term Full of Historical Context

Finding the answer to your question about what is a blue jacket turns out to be a challenging quest. It's a term that traverses oceans, spans centuries, and crosses cultures. It may denote the steadfast sailor cleaning the decks, or it could be the defiant chief defending his territory. It might even be the modern athlete who is gliding on ice.

Every single interpretation associated with it contains its unique legacy of service, resistance, or pride. The crucial factor keeping the term alive through time is not one single definition but the variety of histories it represents. The true meaning of the term lies in the richness and variety it conveys. For those interested in the quality and integrity behind enduring apparel and craftsmanship, we invite you to explore our work at Eton Garment.