What Are Tarot Cards? Origin, Types, and Symbolism Explained
Welcome to the magical and mysterious world of tarot! If you have ever seen pretty cards with mysterious pictures and wondered what they mean, you’re about to discover a story hundreds of years old. Let’s explore why tarot still fascinates us today—and even pops up in family games and exam questions!
What Exactly Are Tarot Cards? All About This Mysterious Deck
Tarot—Not Just Cards, But a Window to Stories!
Tarot is a special deck with 78 cards, each filled with colorful images, curious characters, and symbols. People use tarot cards in two big ways: for playing games and for looking into the future or understanding themselves. While you might see tarot cards in movies or TV shows about fortune tellers, they actually began as a fun card game in Italy over 500 years ago! Isn’t that cool?
How Do You Say “Tarot”?
You pronounce it as “Ta-roh.” The “t” at the end is silent, just like in “ballet.” Now you can impress your friends with the right way to say it!
Inside a Tarot Deck: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and More!
Peek Into the Cards: What Makes a Tarot Deck Special?
Tarot cards are split into two main groups:
- Major Arcana (22 cards): These are the “star” cards—imagine The Fool, The Magician, or The Sun. Each card tells a special story or shows an important life lesson.
- Minor Arcana (56 cards): These are more like our normal playing cards and are split into four suits: Cups, Swords, Wands, and Coins (or Pentacles). They talk about daily events, feelings, and fun situations.
- Each suit has number cards and “court cards” (Page, Knight, Queen, King) just like a royal family!
Tarot Cards vs Oracle Cards: The Great Card-Off!
Many people confuse tarot cards with oracle cards. Tarot decks always have 78 cards with a set structure. Oracle cards can have any number of cards, pictures, or themes the maker chooses. So, tarot is like a classic recipe, and oracle cards are more like a chef’s freestyle creation!
How Did Tarot Begin? A Journey Across Time
From Fun Game to Magical Tool: The Story of Tarot
Let’s travel back to the 1400s in Italy. Wealthy families enjoyed a new card game called “tarocchi.” At first, there were no magic tricks—just fun, like today’s board games! Then, in the 1700s, French thinkers imagined deeper meanings for these cards. They connected tarot with mysteries, old stories, and even the stars and numbers! Soon, people all over Europe used tarot for fortune-telling and making big decisions. Later, artists, psychologists, and even movie-makers fell in love with tarot’s powerful pictures.
Quick Timeline: Tarot Through The Years
| Time | Tarot’s Adventure |
|---|---|
| Early 1400s | Tarot game invented in Italy for royal families. |
| 1700s | French thinkers add magical and mystical meanings. |
| 1800s | Tarot becomes popular for fortune-telling. |
| 1900s–Today | Tarot shows up in pop culture and psychology! |
Why Do People Love Tarot? And Who Avoids It?
Tarot in Art, Life, and Exams!
- People enjoy exploring feelings and stories with tarot.
- Artists use tarot’s images for inspiration in books and paintings.
- Psychologists sometimes use tarot to help people talk about their lives.
- Some religious groups, like certain Christian and Islamic traditions, don’t support tarot because it is linked to fortune telling, which is discouraged or forbidden.
- Still, many use tarot as a playful way to think about choices and imagination—not to predict the future with total certainty!
Can Tarot Help with Exams?
Tarot isn’t a shortcut for getting all the answers in life or exams! But knowing about its history, uses, and controversies can boost your world history and cultural knowledge. It often pops up in quiz questions or general knowledge tests, especially about art and traditions.
Tarot Vs Playing Cards: Are They The Same Thing?
Two Decks, Two Stories
| Feature | Tarot Cards | Playing Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cards | 78 (unique design) | 52 (plain suits) |
| Uses | Games, fortune-telling, symbolism | Games and magic tricks |
| History | Italy, 1400s | China/Europe, much older! |
| Symbolic Pictures? | Yes, lots! | Not really. |
Super-Quick Tarot Fun Facts Table!
| Concept | Origin | Number of Cards | Special Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarot | Italy | 78 | Games, fortune-telling, art |
| Oracle Cards | Modern times | Any number! | Divination, inspiration |
| Playing Cards | China/Europe | 52 | Games |
Practice Time! Example Questions and Answers
Let’s Test What You’ve Learned!
- Which country is believed to be the birthplace of tarot?
Answer: Italy! - Which group of tarot cards are the “star” story-tellers?
Answer: Major Arcana. - How is “tarot” pronounced?
Answer: “Ta-roh” (silent “t”). - If you see a deck with 78 cards and suits called Cups and Swords, what kind of cards do you have?
Answer: Tarot cards!
Spot the Mix-up!
- Don’t mix tarot with ordinary playing cards—they are cousins, but not twins!
- Oracle cards can look like tarot, but have their own unique rules.
Why Tarot Fits in Your GK Toolkit
Learning about tarot teaches us how cultures mix fun, art, mystery, and traditions. It’s a popular topic in many competitive exams. The story of tarot crosses history, religion, art, and even psychology. Quizmasters love it—and now you do too! If you want more fun facts or practice questions, check out more quizzes at Vedantu to boost your GK superpowers.
Last-Minute Key Takeaways!
- Tarot started as a fun game, then became a tool for questions and imagination.
- Its cards are split into magical “Major” and practical “Minor” sections.
- People use tarot all over the world, but some religions do not allow it.
- It’s different from playing or oracle cards—structure and purpose matter.
- You might get questions about tarot in exams like CBSE, UPSC, and SSC!
Prepared by Vedantu Academic Team for GK Champions! Learn more with Vedantu—explore, discover, and get exam-ready.
FAQs on Tarot: History, Structure, and Importance for General Knowledge
1. What is tarot?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards originally used for playing games in 15th-century Italy, but later adopted for divination, storytelling, and self-exploration worldwide.
- The deck is divided into Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards).
- Tarot cards are now used in cultural, spiritual, and psychological contexts.
- They feature symbolic imagery representing events, archetypes, and personal guidance.
- Learning about tarot helps in general knowledge and competitive exams.
2. What do tarot cards symbolize?
Tarot cards symbolise universal life themes, stages, and archetypes, represented through their detailed imagery and suits.
- Major Arcana: Symbolize major events or spiritual lessons (e.g., The Fool, The Magician).
- Minor Arcana: Reflect daily situations and personal challenges, divided into four suits (Cups, Pentacles/Coins, Swords, Wands).
- Each card carries unique meanings, often used for self-reflection or decision making.
- Symbolism in tarot is linked to art, mythology, and world cultures.
3. Who invented tarot cards?
Tarot cards were invented in Italy during the early 15th century, originally as a card game called "Tarocchi".
- The first surviving decks were commissioned by Italian nobility.
- The game spread to France and other European countries.
- Mystical meanings were added centuries later by French and British occultists.
- Their invention is associated more with cultural evolution than a single individual.
4. Is tarot reading real or fake?
Tarot readings are real as a tool for self-reflection and guidance, but their results are not scientifically proven predictions.
- Many use tarot for insight, awareness, or entertainment.
- Psychologists may use tarot images as discussion prompts.
- There is no consensus on tarot’s ability to predict the future.
- Religious and scientific communities often view tarot as symbolic or subjective rather than factual.
5. What does God say about tarot cards?
Most mainstream religions like Christianity and Islam prohibit or discourage tarot, often quoting scriptures that warn against divination or fortune-telling.
- Christianity: Bible verses (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:10–12) caution against all forms of divination.
- Islam: Labels fortune-telling, including tarot, as haram.
- Hinduism/Buddhism: Generally neutral or skeptical, focusing on karma and personal effort.
- Some consider tarot as self-reflection rather than spiritual prophecy.
6. What is the difference between tarot and playing cards?
Tarot cards differ from playing cards in structure, symbolism, and purpose.
- Tarot deck: 78 cards (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana), rich in symbolism, primarily used for divination and art.
- Playing cards: 52 cards (4 suits, numbers Ace-King), mostly used for games like poker or bridge.
- Tarot cards have additional archetypal images and historical meanings not found in standard playing cards.
- Both have European origins but different cultural roles and uses.
7. What are Major and Minor Arcana in tarot?
Major Arcana are the 22 main tarot cards symbolising significant life themes, while Minor Arcana are 56 cards representing everyday events and situations.
- Major Arcana: Includes cards like The Fool, The Empress, and The Tower.
- Minor Arcana: Divided into Cups, Swords, Wands, Pentacles (or Coins), with each suit showing daily influences.
- Both arcana together create a complete tarot reading.
- Understanding this division helps in accurate interpretation of tarot spreads.
8. What types of questions about tarot might appear in UPSC or CBSE GK exams?
Exams may ask about tarot’s origin, deck structure, symbolism, and cultural impact, important for Art & Culture and World History sections.
- Example MCQs:
1. In which country did tarot cards originate?
2. What is 'Major Arcana' in tarot?
3. How do tarot and playing cards differ?
4. Which religions prohibit tarot practice?
- Focus is on factual, historical, and comparative aspects relevant to syllabus.
9. Are tarot cards banned or discouraged in some faiths?
Yes, tarot cards are discouraged or banned in several religions, especially Christianity and Islam.
- Most Christian denominations view tarot as linked to the occult and advise against it.
- In Islam, all forms of divination including tarot are considered haram (forbidden).
- Hinduism and Buddhism usually do not comment directly, but may not encourage divination.
- Always check local religious and legal guidelines before practicing tarot.
10. How do you read tarot cards?
Reading tarot involves interpreting the symbols and images on the cards to gain insights about life, decisions, or challenges.
- Shuffle and draw cards based on a question or theme.
- Lay out cards in a chosen 'spread' (pattern).
- Interpret each card’s meaning, combining Major and Minor Arcana.
- Synthesize the story or message the cards present.
- Beginners often use guidebooks or online resources for learning interpretations.
