When I was a wee lass, my
maternal grandfather taught me to play solitaire, then double solitaire. We
would sit and play hand after hand in their kitchen, his little television off
to the side, often tuned into some professional wrestling match.
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| Jack of Spades |
I remember being young enough
that he made a point of teaching me the different shapes, pointing out the
colors. These days I’ve returned to playing solitaire on my old iPod Classic,
especially when I’m feeling ill (which seems to be happening a lot this allergy
season). At any rate, watching the
cards flick past, I identify them in my head during play. A heart looks like a
Valentine, diamonds have the traditional four corners, and the spade (as
Grandpa taught) looks like a pointy ended spade style shovel.
Why on earth are the clubs
not called clovers?
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That shape is nothing like a mace weapon
(aka a club) either; don't you agree? |
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Some historians have suggested that suits in a deck were meant to represent the four classes of Medieval society. Cups and chalices (modern hearts) might have stood for the clergy; swords (spades) for the nobility or the military; coins (diamonds) for the merchants; and batons (clubs) for peasants. Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/the-lost-origins-of-playing-card-symbols/537786/
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ♥
Cool! Thank you. I read yesterday that the jack is also indicative of a knave, a sort of scoundrel, which I find odd. Be well!
DeleteSweet memory of your Grandpa. Yes, I agree.
ReplyDeleteHe was a very fine grandfather. Thank you!
DeleteI had never considered that the club is more of a clover. I tend to relate them back to the Tarot suits: hearts/cups, diamonds/coins, spades/swords, clubs/wands. Oh, that's why it wasn't odd. Wands can be made from sticks which have leaves on them... That's where my brain goes.
ReplyDeleteMakes sense! Thank you for sharing.
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