My Love of Playing Cards

Playing cards are something only really seen in casinos, or in a drawer at home that you need when the power goes out, but I love them and all the cool art that they have!

So this may seem completely random but it's a fun fact about myself that I think is interesting and most people don't think to tell people about. My collection is not as extensive as I would like but I do have a few interesting decks that you may not have seen before.

A little Playing Card History...

Not even all playing card experts can definitively agree on the origin of cards. Unfortunately because they are paper they don't hold up well over time and this is the physical proof that scholars need to prove anything. The general consensus among experts is that "cards" as we know them today originated somewhere in Asia, but the earliest real actual deck of playing cards is called the Cloisters deck, named for the museum where they were identified and dated. These cards are dated to sometime in the late 15th century. Cards rose to popularity with wealthy crowds in early years since they were usually hand made and intricately made (long before you could just print something up!). Over time when it was easier to mass produce things they became more popular in most social circles. Although most of us would think of a deck of cards as 52 cards it was not always the case, some had 40 cards, some other numbers depending on the suits and which cards were omitted. There wasn't even originally the suits of cards we know today: clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds. Suits differed depending on the region they were from.

Now to my collection!

Now for what we're really here for. Each deck has a little back story but there are of course a few favorites.

The Vegas Deck

This one is extra special because Adam brought this one back to me from Las Vegas! And it does not disappoint. The outside looks pretty plain, but just like Vegas in the nighttime, the inside is super sparkly!

The Sea King Deck

To be completely honest I picked this one up randomly from a Walmart I think? I loved the sea green color and gold outside, and if you look closely at the backing you can see some sea-inspired art on the card backs. One of my favorites for playing around the house because it isn't just a normal red and white or blue and white deck.

The Foragers Deck

Last Christmas we acquired this deck from my parents. Each card has a picture, description, and edibility rating for different edible plants, mushrooms, and berries. I live in the Northeast, but I'm pretty sure it isn't just things from the Northeast. I'll make sure to put some good pictures because this is one of my most interesting decks so far.

In Closing...

If this topic is interesting to you, if you want me to write more about my card obsession, or if you have any questions let me know! I also have an instagram set up and I'm going to try to have a new post every Wednesday. So follow along, let me know what interesting things you like, and keep on journeying with me.