1. The Tarot’s Predecessor? Forget playing cards, tarot may have humble roots in a 13th-century Chinese game called “Leaf Game.” This game used numbered cards and allegorical figures, eerily similar to the Minor Arcana. Could it be tarot’s long-lost ancestor?
2. Tarot and the Plague: In the grim days of the Black Death, tarot cards weren’t just for fun. They were used as moral lessons, depicting scenes of suffering and reminding people of their mortality. The Emperor card, for instance, might show a decaying monarch, a stark reminder of even the highest falling prey to the plague.
3. Tarot’s Aristocratic Origins: Early tarot decks were luxury items, commissioned by wealthy families like the Viscontis of Milan. These hand-painted masterpieces weren’t just for games; t…
1. The Tarot’s Predecessor? Forget playing cards, tarot may have humble roots in a 13th-century Chinese game called “Leaf Game.” This game used numbered cards and allegorical figures, eerily similar to the Minor Arcana. Could it be tarot’s long-lost ancestor?
2. Tarot and the Plague: In the grim days of the Black Death, tarot cards weren’t just for fun. They were used as moral lessons, depicting scenes of suffering and reminding people of their mortality. The Emperor card, for instance, might show a decaying monarch, a stark reminder of even the highest falling prey to the plague.
3. Tarot’s Aristocratic Origins: Early tarot decks were luxury items, commissioned by wealthy families like the Viscontis of Milan. These hand-painted masterpieces weren’t just for games; they were status symbols, showcasing the owner’s wealth and cultural refinement.
4. The Banned Deck: In 1757, the French government banned a tarot deck called “Jeu des Fées” (Game of Fairies). Why? It featured satirical portraits of the royal court, disguised as fairies, and didn’t sit well with the authorities. Talk about a deck with a bite!
5. Tarot and the French Revolution: The Marseilles Tarot, with its revolutionary symbolism, became a popular tool for revolutionaries in France. The Tower card, symbolizing upheaval and change, became a rallying cry for those seeking to overthrow the monarchy.
6. Tarot’s Hidden Ciphers: Some scholars believe the Marseille Tarot holds hidden messages in its numbering and imagery. These “ciphers” might point to historical events, religious figures, or even secret societies. Could these cards be more than just pretty pictures?
7. Tarot and the American Frontier: Believe it or not, tarot decks were found among the belongings of prospectors during the California Gold Rush! It seems even fortune hunters sought guidance from the cards in their quest for wealth.
8. Tarot’s Censored Past: In Victorian England, tarot was associated with the occult and deemed immoral. Many decks were destroyed or hidden away, contributing to the mystique surrounding the cards.
9. Tarot and World War I: During the First World War, soldiers used tarot cards for entertainment and comfort. Some decks were even specially designed for troops, with patriotic themes and morale-boosting imagery.
10. The Lost Tarot of Napoleon: Legend has it that Napoleon commissioned a special tarot deck to predict his future. This deck, if it ever existed, has vanished, leaving historians and tarot enthusiasts to wonder what secrets it might hold.
These are just a few historical tidbits to whet your appetite. Remember, the past whispers through the symbols on these cards, waiting to be unearthed by curious minds. Keep exploring, and who knows what forgotten stories you might uncover!