– Represents beginnings and opportunities Symbolism and Meaning of the Ranksīeyond the four suits, each of the 13 ranks in a deck also carries unique symbolism based on numerology, religion and history: Ace This medieval theme is the basis for the suits we still use today in card games. So in summary, hearts represent love, diamonds wealth, clubs rural life, and spades military might. – Highest valued suit representing might and power – Shape resembling a medieval weapon or spade for digging graves

– Color is black relating to death and darkness – Lower class suit valued less than hearts and diamonds Spades ♠ – Shape similar to a clover or trefoil representing rural life – Color is black to match fertile soil tilled by hand – Lower middle class suit valued less than hearts Clubs ♣ – Shape is that of a lozenge stone reflecting value and luxury – Color is red, symbolizing wealth and riches – Middle class suit valued above diamonds and clubs Diamonds ♦

– Shape is that of an upside down flower relating to love and romance – Color is red, symbolizing blood and passion Here is the symbolism behind hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades: Hearts ♥ – And countless more! Symbolism of the SuitsĮach of the four suits represents a different social class from the Middle Ages. – European decks included four suits to represent each class of medieval society Card Games – Cards arrived in Europe in 13th century after contact with Islamic world – Persians began using ganjifeh playing cards in the 10th century – Earliest playing cards appeared in China in the 9th century – Suits are color coded – hearts and diamonds are red, clubs and spades are black Origins and History

– 4 suits – hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades Quick Facts on Standard Playing Cards What’s in a Deck?

Playing cards king of diamonds