Playing Card Symbolism: The Deeper Meaning Behind Playing Cards

Have you ever played free Spades games online and wondered why Spades are the trump suit, or did you play a game of Hearts and wonder about the significance of the Queen of Spades? Card games are filled with Spade symbolism that shapes so many of the games people have played for centuries.

The symbols and figures you see on a standard deck of cards were deliberately designed for a reason. The four suits symbolize different aspects of life and society. The face cards‒the King, Queen, and Jack cards‒are believed to represent specific historical figures. Each face card in every suit is said to be modeled after significant figures, including Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and Judith from the Old Testament of the Eastern Orthodox Bible.

So, whether you’re playing card games using two decks and wondering what the symbols mean or are curious about the origins of the deck, Spades.co has the inside scoop.

The Suits

There are four symbols in a deck of cards, each attributed to a suit: Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, and Clubs. The suits as we know them today date back to the Middle Ages. The interpretations of each of these suits has changed over time and from culture to culture, generally representing different aspects of our lives and society.

Hearts

The Hearts suit represents love, adoration, romantic connections, and emotions. This is a universal symbol that originated from when this suit was formerly called ‘cups.’ The suit of cups or hearts represents our connection to our emotions and loved ones. When you see Hearts in a game, it’s a reminder that empathy and connection can have more strength that power or might.

Diamonds

Early iterations of this suit were represented by 'coins' or 'pentacles.’ Diamonds, like coins and pentacles, symbolize wealth and material prosperity. Unlike Hearts, Diamonds focuses more on the material world. When you see Diamonds in your hand, it may signify monetary gain or financial luck.

Spades

Spades were formerly known as ‘swords.’ Spades and swords both represent wisdom through overcoming obstacles in life. This suit is often associated with resilience, change, conflict, and ambition. Spades are often trump cards in many games, such as Spades, and when you have a Spade, it’s a sign to be more strategic and wise with your next moves.

Clubs

Clubs replaced 'wands' and 'staves' when they transitioned to today’s playing cards. This suit represents innovation, creativity, and the fertility of nature. When you have a club in your hand, it’s a sign of new beginnings and a call to create and explore our desires.

Face Cards

Face cards were not introduced into playing cards decks until the early 1400s due to their late introduction to Europe in the mid-1300s. The different faces are said to represent particular historical figures.

Kings

The King of Spades is said to be modeled after David the Great King of Israel from 10th to 11th century BCE. The King of Hearts is believed to be modeled after King Charlemagne, the King of Franks from 768 CE and the King of Italy and Holy Roman Emperor from 774 CE.

The King of Clubs was modeled after Alexander the Great King of Macedonia throughout the 4th century BCE. The King of Diamonds represents Julius Caesar, the General and dictator of the Roman Republic in the 1st century BCE.

Queens

The Queen of Spades is believed to be modeled after the Greek goddess of wisdom and justice, Athena. The Queen of Hearts represents Judith from the Old Testament of the Eastern Orthodox Bible.

The Queen of Diamonds represents Rachel, a biblical figure known as the mother of Benjamin and Joseph. The Queen of Clubs represents Lady Argea, the mythological mother of Argus from the Ancient Greek Story, Jason and the Argonauts.

Jacks

The Jack of Hearts represents Etienne de Vignolles‒La Hire‒a French military commander during the Hundred Years’ War. The Jack of Spades represents Ogier the Dane, the Prince of Denmark in 8th century CE.

The Jack of Diamonds represents Hector, the Trojan prince in Greek Mythology. The Jack of Clubs has two figures attributed to it‒Judas Maccabeus, the Jewish priest who led the Maccabean revolt from 167 to 160 BCE; and Sir Lancelot, King Arthur’s most trusted knight.

Learn About Cards and More at Spades.co

Now that you know the history and symbolism behind the cards, why not try your hand at a game of Spades? Play Spades for free online at Spades.co today!