Tarot Facts for Kids

The Tarot (pronounced TAH-roh) is a special deck of 78 cards. People have been playing games with these cards since the mid-1400s in different parts of Europe. For example, in Italy, they played a game called Tarocchini, and in France, it was known as French Tarot.

A Tarot deck has four suits, just like a modern 52-card deck. But it also has extra cards! It has a special set of 21 "trump" cards and a unique card called the Fool. In some games, the Fool can be the most powerful card. The famous writer Rabelais even mentioned a game called "tarau" in his book Gargantua and Pantagruel. This is one of the first times we see the French name for Tarot.

For a long time, and even today in many parts of Europe, Tarot cards are mostly used for fun card games. They are just for amusement.

However, in English-speaking countries, these games are not very common. Instead, Tarot cards are often used for divination. This means people use them to try and get insights or predict things, often just for fun or entertainment.

People who use Tarot for these purposes sometimes call the trump cards and the Fool the "Major Arcana". The other cards (the numbered cards and court cards in each suit) are called the "Minor Arcana". Some writers used to think Tarot cards came from ancient Egypt or a system called the Kabbalah. But there is no real proof for these ideas. Also, there's no evidence that Tarot was used for fortune-telling before the 1700s. Still, the interesting pictures on the cards might have inspired people to use them for looking into the future.

Sources and further reading: Citizendium

What Are Tarot Cards?
History of Tarot Cards
- Early Games
- Tarot Spreads Across Europe
Tarot Today
- Playing Games with Tarot
- Tarot for Fun and Insight
Common Myths About Tarot
- Not From Ancient Egypt
- Not for Fortune-Telling Until Later
Images for kids
See also

What Are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 playing cards. They are different from the regular decks you might use for games like Go Fish or Poker. Each Tarot deck has unique pictures and symbols.

The Suits of Tarot

Just like a standard deck, Tarot has four suits. These are often called Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles (or Coins). Each suit has cards numbered from Ace to Ten. They also have "court cards" like the King, Queen, Knight, and Page.

The Major Arcana

The most famous part of a Tarot deck is the "Major Arcana." This is a set of 22 special cards. Each card has a unique name and picture, like The Sun, The Moon, The Star, or The Magician. These cards often represent big life events or important ideas.

The Fool Card

One very special card is the Fool. In some games, it acts like a wild card or the highest trump. In other uses, it represents new beginnings or taking a leap of faith.

History of Tarot Cards

Tarot cards first appeared in Italy in the 1400s. They were created as playing cards for games.

Early Games

People in Europe played many different games with Tarot cards. These games were popular at parties and gatherings. They were a fun way to pass the time.

Tarot Spreads Across Europe

From Italy, Tarot games spread to other countries. They became popular in France, Switzerland, and parts of Germany. Each region often had its own version of the game.

Tarot Today

Today, Tarot cards are used in different ways around the world.

Playing Games with Tarot

In many European countries, people still play traditional card games with Tarot decks. These games are fun and challenging, just like any other card game.

Tarot for Fun and Insight

In places like the United States and the United Kingdom, Tarot is often used for personal reflection or entertainment. People might use the cards to think about their feelings or to get new ideas. It's a way to explore possibilities, not to tell the future for sure.

Common Myths About Tarot

You might hear some interesting stories about Tarot cards. But it's good to know the facts!

Not From Ancient Egypt

Some people believe Tarot cards came from ancient Egypt. However, historians have found no proof of this. The cards actually started in Europe during the 1400s.

Not for Fortune-Telling Until Later

For hundreds of years, Tarot cards were just for games. It wasn't until the 1700s that people started using them for fortune-telling or spiritual purposes. The colorful pictures on the cards might have inspired this new use.