It is thought that decks divided into "suits" came to Europe in the 15th century. At first there were no standard suits, but by the late 15th century suit standards began to appear. The picture illustrates the French national suit symbols on cards that are familar to many people around the world today. Not only are these suit symbols known in France, but in all parts of the world that were once part of the French empire!
In addition, the same suit symbols were adopted by the English nation in the 16th century and thus were also used throughout the British empire. Since both the British and the French settled North America, these are the card symbols that appear on cards used in the United States and Canada. However, the "letters" on these cards are the English Language version. On cards made in France, the king would feature an "R" for Roi, and a queen would feature a "D" for Dame, for example. Regardless of the letters on the cards - these suit symbols became known as the French National Suit Symbols. The top card - the Ace - is the "spade (pike) suit", next is the "heart (coeur) suit", this is followed by the "club (trefle) suit", and at the bottom is the "diamond (carreau) suit".
In Italy and Spain, which were also introduced to playing cards in the 15th century, different sets of suit symbols became popular on cards in those countries. The pictures on the suits are "clubs", "swords", "cups", and "coins" respectively. However, people in northern Italy may use French suited decks for some games. A card box will indicate regional variations and which suit symbols and pictures are used on a deck, i.e. - Bergamo, Brescia, Roma, Trento. Spanish suit symbols are very similar to the Italian suits, but there are some differences.
The "clubs" of the Spanish suit are usually more "natural" than Italian "clubs". The Spanish "cups" are designed differently from the Italian "cups". However, both the Italian and the Spanish suit symbols are similar enough to have playing card scholars give them the collective name - the Latin Suits. Within Spain, there are many regional differences which are reflected in the decks of cards for sale - regional differences indicate which suit symbols and pictures are used on a deck, i.e. - Adaluza, Aragonesa, Bartolome, Basche, Catalunya, Espagnole, Galicia. Since the Spainish empire included Mexico and Latin America, Spanish suited cards can be found in use in these countries today.
In Germany, the card game that is played determines the type of deck that will be used - and all German decks are not alike. The first card features the "acorn" or in German the Eichel suit. The second card is of the "bells" suit or Schellen. Although the third card appears to look like a "spade", it is a "leaf", sometimes called a "green" and in German known as the Grun or Blatt suit. The fourth suit is the "hearts" suit or Herz. Germany produces playing cards for many different countries today. Some of these exports are made with the suit symbols illustrated, some exported decks use other symbols. Suiss suit symbols are somewhat similar to the German suits, but there are differences.
The first card in the Swiss deck is also known as the "acorn" or Eichel suit. The second card is the "shield" suit or Schilten. The third card is the "bells" suit or Schellen. Finally, the fourth card is in the "roses" suit or Rosen. People in Swizerland who play a game (or a number of related games) called Jass will use a deck with these suit symbols. However, people living near the French border may use decks with the French suit symbols, while people living near the Italian border may use Latin suited cards.
Mr. Bruhin indicates that to make matters more interesting regarding suit symbols, there are large variations today since card manufacturers not only make playing cards for their own country, and regional groups within their country, but also make decks for foreigners living in that country. Manufacturers also make special decks for card collectors (a very popular hobby), special decks for special games, travel sized decks, commemorative decks, historic decks, and also decks for export to countries which don't make their own playing cards.
Taken from www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca
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