The Devil's Hymnal: Card Playing Between Pleasure and Damnation
News News blog
For centuries, playing cards have been immensely popular - but society has not always looked favorably upon this pastime. Especially in church circles, the colorful cards were condemned as "The Devil's Hymnal". But where does this expression come from and what's behind it?
The Beginnings of Playing Cards
The origins of playing cards are shrouded in mystery. The first mentions can be found at the end of the 13th century in Italy. From there, the game spread rapidly throughout Europe. Early on, there were already different types of cards and game variations.
Playing Cards as a Moral Hazard
However, with popularity also came criticism. Above all, the church saw playing cards as a danger to morality. The term "The Devil's Hymnal" appears as early as the 14th century. The colorful cards were considered a tool of evil, distracting people from faith and tempting them to idleness and vice.
Secular rulers also repeatedly issued bans against playing cards. They feared for public order and saw the danger of strife, fraud, and financial hardship through excessive gambling.
Playing Cards Through the Ages
Despite all the bans, playing cards managed to remain a popular pastime. Over time, the criticism lost its edge. From the 16th century onwards, playing cards were increasingly seen as socially accepted entertainment.
Today, playing cards are an integral part of our everyday lives. They have a firm place as a social game, but also in the professional realm. The once demonizing term "The Devil's Hymnal" has been forgotten - a testament to past times when harmless entertainment still gave rise to moral outrage.
