What is the story behind the deck of cards?

Educated guesses have made links to the cards, suits, and icons of 12th century and even older cards in China, India, Korea, Persia, or Egypt, which may have been introduced to Europe by Arabs. Some scholars believe that playing cards were invented in China during the Tang dynasty around the 9th century AD.

Who had a hit with deck of cards?

T. Texas Tyler’s rendition went to number 2 on the US country chart in 1948. A version by Tex Ritter later in the year reached number 10 on the same chart. Phil Harris also recorded a version in 1948 for RCA Victor.

Why do soldiers have playing cards?

Playing cards are ubiquitous among troops in combat zones. They are easy to carry and a great way to pass down time. As it turns out, they are also a great way to disseminate information. For some, they were a great way to deliver a message.

What do the 4 suits represent?

The four suits in playing cards, clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades, collectively represent the four elements (wind, fire, water, and earth), the seasons, and cardinal directions. They represent the struggle of opposing forces for victory in life. The thirteen cards in each suit represent the thirteen lunar months.

What does Spade symbolize?

The modern symbol for the Spade, “♠”, came from the French iteration of the Sword suit, which represented the head of a pike. This association with the older suit of Swords meant that the suit of Spades was also associated with nobility and military.

Who was the first to sing the deck of cards?

Versions

Title Performer Info
Cowboy’s Deck of Cards Cowboy Copas First recording in September 1962 First release

Who invented the deck of cards?

the Chinese
PLAYING cards were invented by the Chinese before AD1000. They reached Europe around 1360, not directly from China but from the Mameluke empire of Egypt.

Why did soldiers carry the ace of spades?

In Vietnam, the ace of spades (death card) was thought by some to put a scare into the superstitious enemy and were left behind on dead enemy bodies after a firefight. Other soldiers used the card as a morale booster – wearing it proudly on helmets to show they were tough and fearless warriors.

Did soldiers play card games?

As one Civil War soldier said, “Card playing seemed to be as popular a way of killing time as any.” Wartime decks have been used to help soldiers in the field learn about their enemies and allies, to identify aircraft, and even teach a little about American history.

What do cards symbolize?

It is said that each of the suits on a deck of cards in a card game represents the four major pillars of the economy in the Middle Ages: Hearts represented the Church, Spades represented the military, Clubs represented agriculture, and Diamonds represented the merchant class.