Unveiling History: Who Invented Playing Cards and Their Global Impact
The historical origin of a modern version of playing cards has its roots in ancient China. Historians found evidence of playing cards in China even before 1000 AD. You will be amazed to learn that online card games, like - rummy, poker etc., are influenced by card games played back then.
If you are a passionate card game player, continue reading. You will learn a great deal of information about the evolution of card games, starting from the Tang Dynasty in China through its evolution in the Islamic world.
The Origins of Playing Cards
Let's explore how card games were played back then in China, Islamic reign and in Europe.
Early Beginnings in Ancient China
In ancient China, card games were usually played with thin paper. Tiny dots were printed on them that used to be played like dominos. Now let’s see how the game evolved in the Tang Dynasty.
The Tang Dynasty and Card Games
Some literary references suggest that in the Tang dynasty, card games were played for the first time. The Chinese name for it was ‘yezi ge’, meaning ‘the game of leaves’. In the 9th century AD Princess Tongchang of the Tang dynasty is believed to have played the ‘leaf game’. Another reference from the 14th-century history of the Liao Dynasty suggests that emperor Muzong played the same game with his ministers on New Year's Eve.
But it was not until Emperor Mu-Tsung, 100 years later played with cards, the card type we see now.
First Documented Playing Cards
One of the earliest history of card play has been recorded in the written account of a German monk in 1377. At that time, he was stationed in a Swiss monastery. His writing included a wide range of card games and how they were played.
The Spread of Playing Cards to the Islamic World
Historical evidence also suggests that card games were popular under the reigns of the Mamluks.
Mamluk Decks and Designs
The design of the card used back then will amaze any card game lover. The hand-designed and printed cards have an excellent combination of colours. There were four suits -cups, coins, polo sticks and swords. Each of them had 13 cards.
Transition to Europe
The Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt invaded Spain, Sicily and North Africa which marked the transition point card games to Europe.
Evolution of Playing Cards in Europe
You can say that it was Spain that helped pass the card games of the Islamic world to the European world.
The Introduction to Medieval Europe
The popularity of card games in Medieval Europe was popular because they required working your brain. Unlike dice games, it required a fair amount of strategy and calculation to win.
The Role of Traders and Merchants
The traders and merchants had a great role to play in popularising card games in Europe. They travelled across many regions and brought an engaging game of cards with them. However, the Church didn’t take it very happily whenever card games involved money.
Early European Card Decks
The early European cards had different suits and ranks but they did not have a standard deck. Playing cards from early Europe did not survive enough to get a complete idea of their playing pattern and rules.
The Renaissance and Artistic Influence
The Renaissance revolutionised arts, literature and more importantly the way of living. Cards played at that time were no exception as well. Hand-painted cards carved in a piece of wood have been found from the German Renaissance. The tarot card is also an example of how the Renaissance influenced card design and its arts.
Hand-Painted Decks for Nobility
Hand-painted decks usually cost more. Hence, mainly people in high ranks could afford it. Gradually it became associated with a symbol of nobility.
Invention of Printing Techniques
The first form of card painting used the technique called Xylography. It involved painting cards using wood blocks. Later Master E.S. developed the copper painting and around the 18th century, Lithography came into play.
Playing Cards Across Cultures
Card games became popular across different cultures around the world. Starting from China it travelled through Islamic Empire to reach the European world. During its journey, the game evolved and added some unique rules to its play.
Distinct Regional Variations
Let’s see how card games varied in different regions in Italy, France or India.
Tarot Cards in Italy and France
You will be surprised to know that fortune-telling had no association with tarot cards back in medieval Italy. The standard deck of cards had a total of 56 cards, it included face cards of King, Queen, Knight and Knave along with a matto or fool. Besides, it had 21 trump cards as well.
It is surprising to see how the 15th-century game of cards transformed to associate itself with fortune-telling.
In France, the Italian Tarot cards were played until it was replaced by Trot de Marseille. The deck of cards of Trot de Marseille was more animated and had detailed paintings.
Suited Cards in India and Persia
The hand-printed deck of cards of Persia from 1600 was closely similar to the suits of Tarot de Marseille. On the other hand, cards played in India were surprisingly circular. It was called Ganjifa or Ganjappa. Some variations had eight suits and some variations had 10 suits, both having 12 cards.
Symbolism and Design Elements
In designing the cards, you can notice the social and religious influence explicitly.
Cultural Symbols in Card Artwork
In a version of Ganjifa that had ten suits, each one of them was influenced by ten avatars of the god Vishnu. Hence, the name Dashavatara Gnjifa.
While, cards from Persia, Italy and France had symbols of societal systems like Kings, Queens etc.
The Evolution of Suit Systems
The suits we use in modern card games - Diamond, Clubs, Hearts, and Spades are standardised by the French. Each of the suits symbolises the social system. Diamonds represent the upper classes in society, Clubs represent the working classes, Hearts represent the life force of human beings, and Spades represent military might.
The Global Impact of Playing Cards
Playing cards have influenced different areas of society. The entertainment and gaming industry has accepted card games widely.
Playing Cards in Entertainment and Gaming
People worldwide have accepted card games as a source of entertainment. It has led to the development of new gaming and entertainment industries, even online platforms.
From Traditional Games to Modern Casinos
The journey of card games is very interesting. The emperors and common people liked playing card games in their leisure time. Now, modern casinos hold game tables for people to play with real money. Strict guidelines and security measures ensure a fair play practice.
The Rise of Card Tournaments
Card games are now arranged in a tournament format. People pay an entry fee to play online games. Games like 101 Pool Rimmy and 201 Pool Rummy are very popular.
Playing Cards as a Cultural Artefact
Cards hold traditional values as social values and systems greatly influenced the gameplay. For example, Hinduism clearly influenced Ganjifa and its design. Thus, it has significant cultural values.
Collectibles and Historical Decks
Unique cards like Ganjifa, Italian Tarot etc. can increase the value of your antique collection. The extraordinary painting and design of those cards can tell you a lot about the cultural practices of the society.
Influence on Art and Literature
Through arts and literature, now we come to know about card games and their rules back then. For example, we know that the Chinese Emperor played card games from the recordings of the Liao dynasty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, card games have a long legacy on the gaming culture in societies.
Social practices greatly influenced deck sequence and playing rules. The history of card games fascinates us when we look into its development.
Strikingly card games have retained their appeal throughout generations. It continued to be relevant by discarding some rules and adopting some others.
Remember the deck of cards you play with is a valuable specimen of art, history and entertainment.
