In a deck of cards, why are clubs called clubs?

Question

And spades?

Answer 1

Thank you for an interesting question which led me to a great web-site - link below.

It would seem to be a simple answer in the case of clubs, the name refers to the stylised shape of a club or cudgel.

Spades on the other hand is more complicated:

"The suit of Scimitars in the Mamlûk cards was clearly understood in Italy and Spain, where Swords faithfully preserved the suit's meaning; the Italian ones even maintained typical curved blades.

In Germany, instead, the sign developed as Leaves: the connection with the original shape may be understood by considering the leaf as a corruption of a sword's hilt and handle, while the stem may have sprung from the curved blade. A similar interpretation probably gave origin to Spades, very similar to Leaves.
In France and Germany the shape of Spades (called Piques and Pik, respectively) was likened to another early weapon, the pike, i.e. the long shaft with a pointed end carried by foot-soldiers. Furthermore, the Italian and Spanish names of the suit, i.e. Spade and Espadas, clearly recall its English name, probably not by coincidence.
The Swiss equivalent of this suit, instead, are Shields, whose shape is in fact consistent with the German Leaves."

Answer 2

Although I don't have an actual response to this question I can give you one persons opinion of the meaning of these two suits in a deck of cards plus some additional information of the deck of cards as a whole. (first link for that site)

"Clubs" represents a weapon of murder.
"Spades," a tool to dig graves, suggests death.

I believe most of their information may be 'misguided' since they claim that the first deck of cards was made in 1392. the second site listed discredits this.

Answer 3

because thats what they look like: spades look like spades, and the clubs look like clubs.

Answer 4

Never thought about that one. Maybe it's the same reason why french fries the USA are called "chips" in England. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Good question.

Answer 5

If you ever see a real club, you will know the answer. They look just like them.

Answer 6

they are called clubs as there are three bulbous swellings like the toes of someone with a clubfoot

Answer 7

maybeee "clubs" is a shorter name for its real name but not alot of ppl no the real name beucase we are soo use to the word "clubs"

Answer 8

It links back to our cavemen days?

Sorry haven't got a clue, but an interesting question nevertheless xXx

Answer 9

Ive always wondered!

Answer 10

Try here


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suit_(cards)