Playing-Card Themes & Subjects

"Americana" is a term used to describe artefacts and cultural elements that are typically associated with American history, folklore, and heritage. It may be used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or a romanticized vision of American culture from a bygone era. This might include items such as vintage clothing, antique furniture, old photographs, folk music, regional cuisine, traditions and even architecture.

"Amerindian" refers to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, including North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. These peoples are also sometimes referred to as Native Americans or Indigenous Peoples, and they have unique cultures, languages, and histories that predate European colonization of the Americas.

In certain instances these people have suffered injustice and/or exploitation, and experience ongoing struggles for recognition and reparation.

In addition to the Arabic language or the people who speak it, "Arabic" can also be used to refer to cultural, historical or geographical elements associated with the Arab world. This can include literature, music, art, cuisine and architecture, as well as history, politics, religion, traditions and social structures of different Arab societies. It is worth noting that the term "Arabic" may have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

Army-themed playing cards are decks designed with images and information related to the armed forces and are mainly used for educational or entertainment purposes. They typically feature Army-related imagery such as soldiers, military vehicles and equipment, and may include rank insignia and other symbols associated with Army life.

• See also "Most Wanted" • "Military" • "Wartime"

Playing card backs can be seen in connection with the history of coloured paper, marbled papers and prints from different rollers. In the old days backs were often coloured with a wide brush by hand but today we see intricate designs and photography on the backs. The technical problem has always been ensuring that the backs are uniform and perfectly aligned so that no card may be identified from an irregularity or blemish on the back.

Casinos have long been associated with the glamorous world of gambling and entertainment, and playing cards are an essential part of the casino experience.

Not only used for traditional card games such as poker, blackjack and baccarat, playing cards are also a key component in casino branding, merchandising and advertising. Casinos often use custom-designed playing cards featuring their logos, slogans and security features to promote their brand and enhance the overall gaming experience for their customers.

See also ‘Casino’ brand►

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator from the Republic of Genoa who between 1492 and 1504 completed four Spanish-based voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the patronage of the Spanish king and queen, the Catholic Monarchs. He landed on various Caribbean islands, including Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and explored the coasts of Central and South America, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas • Wikipedia►

The lands he "discovered" were already inhabited by indigenous peoples. His arrival had unfortunate consequences for these populations, leading to disease, slavery, and the destruction of their cultures.

Most playing cards show sequences, such as an arithmetic series from 1 to 10, and a social, courtly hierarchy from King and Queen to the commander-in-chief, knight or even the foot soldier. These sequences are differentiated by different suit symbols. However, the traditional court hierarchies are sometimes customised or updated according to popular culture, niche markets, history, mythology or new social values such as unisex or feminism.

While traditional designs remain dominant, artists and designers began creating custom decks with unique court card designs, often for collectors or special editions.

The rise of detective, spy, and secret agent stories was driven by a blend of historical and social developments, new technologies and literary trends that made these genres both timely and compelling. They provided a means to explore contemporary issues and anxieties while offering the reassurance that, at least in fiction, order could be restored.

Many packs are instructive or educational and designed to facilitate learning rather than just for play. Educational playing cards are a great way to learn new facts, or to review information that you already know. When the design of the illustrations is appropriate and amusing this helps to engage the imagination in the topic which can then be memorised more easily.

• See also: History of Educational and Instructive playing cards►

The trend for International Exhibitions and Expositions, also known as World's Fairs, began in the mid-19th century. The first widely recognized international event was the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London's Crystal Palace. This exhibition was organized by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, and showcased the technological and industrial achievements of the time.

Many playing card manufacturers obtained gold medals at these international exhibitions, where they were able to show their innovations in printing techniques, design and artwork, corner indices, smooth finish, etc.   See also: Innovation►

Facsimiles, Replicas & Recreations of playing cards offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of card design. This list includes various reproductions, some based on historical designs from as far back as the 1600s. Each article provides detailed information about the origins and inspirations behind the recreations.

A selection of recipes, diets, food items and advertising appearing on playing cards and educational card games over the decades.

Playing cards can effectively convey messages about mental and physical health. These decks are used to raise awareness, promote wellness and provide information on various health issues.

This list features articles exploring the history and evolution of playing card design and manufacturing. Discover key innovations like corner indices, new suit systems, and special features, as well as the impact of leading manufacturers and designers. The articles cover a wide range of time periods and offer insights into both classic and modern playing card innovations.

Military-themed playing cards are a type of playing card that features images and designs related to the military. These cards are typically sold as novelty items or souvenirs and feature various military-related imagery such as soldiers, military vehicles, aircraft, and equipment. Military-themed playing cards serve as a way to showcase pride and admiration for the military and its history.

• See also "Most Wanted" • "Wartime" • "Army"

Mining is an uncommon but occasionally used theme in playing cards, typically appearing in regional, historical, artistic, or promotional decks with a specific purpose.

Watch out for illustrations of steam shovels, pit ponies, miners with lamps on their helmets, mine carts and pickaxes.

Several countries in and outside Europe had exclusive rights to the manufacture or sale of playing cards. Well-known examples were the royal playing card factories of Portugal, Spain, and their colonies in America. After the Second World War, several Eastern European countries set up playing card factories. Monopolies also existed Algeria, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Tunisia, UK, USSR and several others. Thailand has a playing card manufacturing monopoly even today. These monopolies belong, or belonged to, the state itself or were leased to private individuals. This meant that only one company could legally sell playing cards. This usually benefitted the treasuries.

• See also Taxes and excise duties on playing cards►

The 'Most Wanted' playing card series is based on the format of the 2003 Iraqi Most Wanted pack.

• See also "Army" • "Military" • "Wartime"

Nature is filled with so much beauty that it’s only natural to feel uplifted in the presence of trees & birdsong. Sitting quietly in nature opens access the deeper states of peaceful consciousness that so many are seeking. Many artists have been inspired to design playing cards after spending quality time close to nature.

• See also Botany►

Feminine beauty has been appreciated since prehistory.

Pin-up on playing cards runs from WWII morale pieces and post-war glamour to brand promotions and artist portfolios. Subjects include film star photo sets, magazine or cosmetics tie-ins, freebie inserts, and illustrative series by artists such as Alberto Vargas, David Wright and others. Formats range from standard packs with studio stills to rummy or picture sets, often crediting photographers or designers.

See also: Erotica►

As the ‘culture of the people’, contemporary popular culture is a product of economically more developed countries and arises from a combination of advances in technology and increased leisure time. Popular culture is also informed by the mass media. Iconic brands aim to be sold to large numbers of people as a commodity. Certain currents of pop culture may originate from or diverge into a subculture. Many new cardistry and Kickstarter decks fall into this category.

Smuggling generally arises when high taxes, tariffs or prohibitions create a demand for goods that official channels over-regulate. This illicit trade involves the clandestine movement of goods such as playing cards to bypass or evade these controls.

The potential for significant profit by undercutting official prices, or a defiance of state control, lead smugglers to exploit geographical routes and weak enforcement to evade detection. The existence of a thriving black market is often a direct consequence of restrictive policies and strong consumer demand.

• See Taxation on playing cards►

The combination of moral objections to gambling and the search for additional revenues prompted many governments to introduce taxes on playing cards. In many cases the collection and control of such taxes required administrative bureaucracy that led to financial expense, as well as corruption. Additionally, enforcement and avoidance (e.g., smuggling, forgery) often undermined the good intentions. The effectiveness of taxes on playing cards was therefore not always optimal and in most cases it was phased out.

The collection and control was carried out in different ways. The most common system was stamping the cards with a well-readable tax stamp, often on an ace or another pip card. Stamps, embossing, watermarks, adhesive strips, extra labels or seals etc were sometimes used around the wrappers or on the box. The tax collector might then sign when satisfied. Stamps in different countries had their own national symbolism, depending on the period in which they were used • See also Monopolies • Estanco de Naipes del Perú►

Trades, crafts and professions are broad categories of occupations that require specialized knowledge, skills, and/or training.

In some decks of playing cards the standard court card hierarchy of Jack, Queen, King is replaced with different craft or trades people or professionals and also their equipment and tools. Similarly many card games are based around different families of trades people, as in ‘Happy Families’ who may be families of bakers, cobblers or doctors, and so on.

• See also Happy Families►

Wartime playing cards and card games are those that were produced during times of war and were often designed with patriotic themes or propaganda messages. They were distributed to soldiers and civilians alike and served as a form of entertainment and morale booster during times of conflict. Wartime playing cards often feature images of military leaders, soldiers and patriotic symbols, such as national flags or eagles.

• See also "Most Wanted" • "Military" • "Army"

This section focuses on "Woodblock (Xylography or Block Printed) Playing Cards". Originating in 9th-century China and later appearing in 14th-century Europe, these cards represent significant historical and cultural shifts. The prominence of woodblock printing increased in the 15th century. This list showcases examples of these card packs, along with several articles detailing the woodblock printing process.

Animals and fauna are familiar and beloved by people of all ages. Their popularity in card games makes them accessible and appealing to a wide range of players and offers opportunities for creativity in game design. There is also animal symbolism which varies in different cultures or mythology: i.e. dragons can symbolise strength, eagles or lions might suggest power. A fox might be cunning, doves suggest peace, etc

• See also: Education • Nature & Environment