Did you know that the history of playing cards is deeply intertwined with the history of tarot? Right here before us lies a thread in that rich tapestry. The very first documented tarot decks appeared between 1440 and 1450. This was in northern Italy. Milan Ferrara Florence and Bologna all saw the birth of these early trionfi. Additional trump cards were added to the standard four-suit pack. These became known as carte da trionfi.
These early tarot cards were hand-painted. This meant that relatively few decks were produced. The invention of the printing press changed that. Mass production became possible. The game spread. It moved from Italy to France and Switzerland during the Italian Wars. One prominent version the Tarot of Marseilles originated in Milan.
While the trump cards’ set was consistent their order varied by region. This variation perhaps began as early as the 1440s. In Milan the World trump was highest followed by the Angel. This ordering is used in the Tarot of Marseilles. The evolution and spread of tarot cards created regional variations in gameplay and card design. This makes the history of tarot a fascinating study in cultural exchange and adaptation.
The names of the suits also evolved. Traditional Italian suits are swords batons cups and coins. In modern occult tarot decks batons became wands or staves. Coins became pentacles or disks. Cups became goblets.
Remember that the original purpose of tarot cards was for games. Not for divination. That came much later. Tarot’s history shows a blend of game and esoteric interpretations. It showcases a story of cultural evolution and artistic expression. The story continues to unfold. Perhaps your own tarot journey will begin today.