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Playing cards aren’t just one of the most ubiquitous objects in human culture (who doesn’t have a deck lurking in a drawer somewhere?) — they’re also one of the most iconic. Whether new and neatly packaged or old and well-thumbed, cards have a certain mystique about them. From the casino table to the magician’s hand, these simple pieces of plastic-coated paper have achieved a status that transcends their simple yet elegant design. 

Yet despite this familiarity, few people know the fascinating journey that cards have taken throughout history. Here, we take a look back through time to trace the origin of playing cards.

Ancient Origins 

The earliest known written reference to playing cards is found in Chinese literature from the 10th century, though there are no details about card markings or the particular games played. In The Invention of Printing in China and Its Spread Westward, author Thomas Francis Carter notes that playing cards likely originated in China around the same time as paged books, writing, “As the advent of printing made it more convenient to produce and use books in the form of pages, so was it easier to produce cards.” 

Carter goes on to explain how these cards, known as “sheet-dice,” began to appear before the end of the Tang dynasty, which ruled China from 618 to 907 CE. He also suggests the possibility that “sheet-dice” evolved in two different directions during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE). Some were eventually made using bone or ivory and developed into games such as mahjong, while others retained their paper form, were embellished with new and more intricate images and designs, and became the true ancestors of modern playing cards. 

Playing Cards Take Shape

As trade routes expanded during the Song dynasty, early playing cards began to spread westward along the Silk Road, carrying with them the fundamental concepts that evolved into the decks we recognize today. The most important stage on this journey happened in the Islamic world. By the 14th century, playing cards had reached the Mamluk Sultanate, which controlled Egypt and parts of the Middle East, at which point the cards underwent a significant transformation.

Thanks in part to the discovery of one particular set of cards from the 1400s, we can see how card design progressed toward something simil (440ar to modern decks. The Mamluk pack, as it is sometimes referred to, was discovered in 1931 in Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace Museum. The deck is divided into four suits, with 13 cards per suit. It has just 47 cards, but if it were complete, it would have contained 52 cards, just like today. 

The design of this centuries-old deck is also surprisingly similar to the packs of cards we use today. The cards feature a symbol for each of the four suits: cups, coins, swords, and polo sticks, which reflect the culture and interests of the Islamic aristocracy. And each suit contains 10 numbered cards as well as three court cards: the king (malik), the viceroy or deputy king (naib), and the second deputy (naib thani).

Origins of the Four Modern Suits

Playing cards made their way to Europe in the late 14th century. Some theories suggest they were brought back by returning Crusaders, which is possible, although scant supporting evidence exists. It’s more likely they came through trade with the Islamic world, including with the Mamluks. 

Thanks to written accounts from Spain, France, and Switzerland, we do know that playing cards grew in popularity in Europe from 1370 to 1400, although standardization was still a long way off. During the 15th century, European decks sometimes contained five rather than four suits, and specific regional tastes meant that different suit motifs also emerged. Germans, for example, used hearts, acorns, bells, and leaves, while the Italians favored cups, swords, batons, and coins. 

It was the French, however, who made perhaps the most significant contribution to modern playing card design. In the late 1400s, they adapted the German suits to create pique, coeur, carreau, and trèfle — known in English as spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.

French card makers also simplified the production process by using stencils and developing more efficient printing techniques, making cards more affordable and widely available. This helped popularize the design in Europe, and the colonial exploits of the French, Spanish, and British introduced the newly standardized playing cards to the rest of the world.

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We all bend or break rules from time to time, whether we’re dashing across the street outside the confines of a crosswalk, pocketing a pen at work, or letting our parking time run a few minutes over. But some seemingly harmless actions may carry unexpected consequences; in fact, depending on where you live, some everyday actions could even cause legal troubles. Here are some ordinary things you may not have realized are against the law in certain places.

Owning a Hedgehog as a Pet

There’s no denying their adorable appeal — hedgehogs are wildly popular on social media for a reason — but owning one isn’t legal everywhere. California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., all have laws banning pet hedgehogs, the most commonly domesticated of which is the African pygmy hedgehog. 

Though tiny and photogenic, these cute critters can carry salmonella and are vulnerable to foot-and-mouth disease, along with other viral and fungal infections. And like most non-native species, they also pose risks if released to the wild, where they could potentially establish populations and disrupt local ecosystems.

That hasn’t stopped their popularity, though, and public pressure has even started to sway some local governments. In 2019, Fairfax County, Virginia, officially legalized pet hedgehogs following a surge in resident interest (they remain illegal in most other counties). But not everyone is on board: Chris Schindler of the Humane Rescue Alliance has warned that animals such as hedgehogs often end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters when owners realize they require more care than initially expected.

Driving With Dirty Tires

Minnetonka, Minnesota, doesn’t mess around when it comes to keeping its streets clean. In this Twin Cities suburb, it’s technically illegal to drive a vehicle with muddy or debris-covered tires. 

According to the city’s code, anything that tracks “mud, dirt, sticky substances, litter, or other material” onto public roads is a violation under the public nuisance ordinance. That rule extends to construction vehicles, farming equipment, or even your SUV after a weekend of off-roading.

It’s a rule that could very likely catch drivers off guard — most people don’t think twice about a little dirt on their wheels. In Minnetonka, however, it could result in a petty misdemeanor or even a full misdemeanor, with fines reaching up to $2,000 per violation. 

That said, the city usually doesn’t come down hard right away. A Minnetonka spokesperson told CNBC the city “attempts several other measures to mitigate the situation before pursuing misdemeanor charges,” meaning you’re more likely to get a warning before a citation.

Mounting Things on Your Windshield

Mounting your GPS or phone on the windshield may be the default way to navigate nowadays, but in many places, it’s illegal. More than a dozen states, including Illinois, Louisiana, and New York, have banned windshield mounts outright. In Maine, you can’t even so much as legally hang an air freshener from your rearview mirror.

States including California and Utah allow mounted devices only in specific locations on the windshield, and those specifics vary by state. In California, for example, they’re permitted within a 5-inch square on the lower left driver’s side of the windshield or a 7-inch square on the lower right passenger side, and anything outside those zones could be a violation. If you’re relying on your phone to get from point A to point B, maybe consider moving that mount to the dashboard or air vent just to be safe.

Indoor Furniture on Outdoor Porches

A couch on the front porch gives off a certain laid-back, college-house charm, but some cities that don’t find it quite so charming have made it illegal. Municipal codes in places such as Columbia, South Carolina, and Columbus, Ohio, specifically ban placing indoor furniture on outdoor porches, lawns, or balconies. 

This includes the commonly used upholstered sofas, as well as recliners and mattresses. These laws also have sprung up in college towns after porch fires broke out in places such as Boulder, Colorado; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Chico, California. Flammability isn’t the only reason, though: Upholstered furniture not only is flammable, but also can attract rodents and appear unsightly.

Feeding Pigeons

It’s an urban rite of passage to toss a french fry or piece of your sandwich to a pigeon, but in many cities, it’s against the law. Places including Chicago and San Francisco have banned feeding the city-dwelling scavengers. Even in anything-goes Las Vegas, doling out snacks to feral pigeons could land you a misdemeanor charge complete with a potential fine of $1,000 or even up to six months in jail.

The logic is simple: More food means more pigeons, and more pigeons mean more droppings. Pigeon waste is notoriously acidic and corrosive, and pigeons can carry a range of disease-causing bacteria including listeria and E. coli. 

New York City, oddly enough, has no formal laws against feeding pigeons, though feeding wildlife is discouraged. Even if you’re not the one feeding the birds, Big Apple residents could still be on the hook for the creatures’ mess: Property owners who don’t clean up pigeon droppings can be held responsible and may be fined up to $1,000 if they fail to tidy up.

Pumping Your Own Gas

Until the 1980s, full-service gas stations were the norm in the U.S. Today, in New Jersey, they still are: The Garden State remains the only U.S. state where it’s illegal to fill your own vehicle at the pump. 

This is a holdover from the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act of 1949, which states, “No person shall dispense fuel at a gasoline station, unless the person is an attendant who has received instructions regarding the dispensing of fuel.” Drivers caught doing so risk fines of up to $250 for a first offense and $500 for repeat violations, and the retail location itself can also be sued by the state.

The law was originally passed to make handling the flammable substance safer, as well as to preserve jobs and profits at gas stations. In 2023, Oregon — the second-to-last remaining state with a full-service requirement — lifted its ban. New Jersey lawmakers have attempted to have the act repealed over the years but have so far been unsuccessful.

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Weddings are celebratory occasions filled with dancing, decadent slices of cake, and perhaps one too many libations. But before you show up to the venue and get the party started, it’s worth noting the (usually) unwritten rules you’re expected to follow when invited to someone’s big day.

Many etiquette experts offer advice on topics ranging from how guests should dress to how much to spend on a gift. Following their suggestions ensures everyone enjoys themselves — especially the happy couple. Here are six etiquette tips every wedding guest should vow to uphold upon receiving a save-the-date.

Always RSVP on Time — If Not Early

A typical RSVP due date is three to four weeks before the big day, allowing the couple enough time to make arrangements for seating and food based on the amount of people expected to show up. The RSVP deadline is usually listed on the physical invite and/or wedding website, and you should always respond by that date whether or not you plan to attend. As etiquette expert Myka Meier tells Brides.com, “It can be added stress for the couple to have to follow up with guests who do not RSVP.”

There’s also no such thing as responding too early once invites have been sent. Also, be sure to formally reply by whichever means the couple requests, whether by mail or online, as this keeps all the RSVPs organized in one place. If you tell the couple in person, it could slip their mind later and they will have no written record of your reply.

Only Bring Invited Guests

When you’re invited to a wedding, take note of the names on the invitation. If it’s just your name, don’t show up with a guest or assume your little ones are welcome. The only folks who should attend a wedding are people listed on the invite. Of course, if the invitation lists “Guest” in addition to your name, it’s acceptable to bring any plus-one of your choosing. 

If you’re asked to attend solo, it may be because the venue has a limited capacity, or the couple may not want children at the event. In fact, the wedding company Zola notes that one in six couples prefer to have adult-only weddings. 

Avoid Wearing Certain Colors

When deciding what to wear to a wedding, start by looking at the dress code. “Black-tie” suggests a more formal affair, while “garden party” implies more of a colorful, semi-casual vibe. Once you’ve settled on what type of garment to wear, you’ll need to choose a color. 

One of the most widely known wedding etiquette rules is to avoid wearing white and similar colors such as ivory or cream, or even very light pastels that could show up as white in photographs. Wedding planner Brandi Hamerstone tells Martha Stewart, “The bride may or may not wear white … but it’s her color for that day. You don’t want to be mistaken for the bride.” The only exception to this rule is if the couple explicitly requests white attire to be worn for a less traditional affair.

In addition to avoiding white, you should steer clear of whatever color the wedding party wears if you’re made privy to this information, as matching the bridesmaids or groomsmen may cause confusion. Apri Brown, flagship manager of the bridal brand Amsale, tells The Knot, “It’s courteous to avoid wearing the same palette as the bridal party so they can stand out.”

Of course, those colors vary depending on the wedding. To find out which color is taboo, Brides.com recommends asking a member of the bridal party and to avoid asking the couple, as they likely already have enough on their plate. Alternatively, you can check the website or invitation for the color palette to get some insight on what shades to skip.

Don’t Contact the Couple on Their Wedding Day

On the day of the wedding, you don’t want to bother the couple, even if you’re running late or feeling sick. Calling them to say you may not make it is only going to add to their overall stress on an already hectic day. Instead, Myka Meier tells Brides.com that you should “try reaching a wedding planner, bridesmaid, or groomsman who can help you.” They’ll be able to provide you with some guidance and can pass along your message to the couple if and when the time is right.

For common questions such as what time the reception starts or directions to the venue, you should avoid bothering anyone involved in the wedding. Those details should be listed on the invitation or website, and it’s easy for you to find those answers on your own.

Arrive 15 Minutes Early

Running late can be perceived as disrespectful on any normal day, and to do it on the day of someone’s wedding can be seen as especially rude. Weddings often start promptly at the time listed on the invitation, so showing up even five minutes late may cause a big distraction. 

Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts tells Business Insider, “Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early,” as that gives you ample time to get seated and clear the aisle. In Brides.com, wedding planner Carina Van Son adds, “The old adage of ‘15 minutes early is on time, and on time is late,’ applies here.”

If you do arrive seconds before the bride is set to walk down the aisle, don’t try to scurry in front of her or sneak in through a side door. Etiquette expert Christin Gomes tells Brides.com that tardy guests should “rely on the ushers to let you know when you can enter the ceremony.” 

However, while arriving 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony is perfectly acceptable, any earlier than that may create complications. The staff may be distracted by your presence, which can impede their work as they hurry to put finishing touches on the venue. With this in mind, aim to time your arrival appropriately.

Stick to the Gift Registry

Wedding invites often come with the expectation of purchasing a gift in return, whether you end up attending or choose to send a present in your absence. If you’re wondering how much to spend, a 2o24 guest study conducted by The Knot suggests the average wedding gift is around $150. Feel free to spend more for a close friend or family member and less for people you don’t know as well, such as a colleague or family friend. 

According to the Emily Post Institute, cash is always an acceptable wedding gift. But if you’re looking to buy something more tangible than money, it’s best to stick to the couple’s registry. In fact, The Knot lists this as their top piece of advice when it comes to wedding gift etiquette, warning that if you buy off registry “you run the risk of getting the happy couple something they already have or something they don’t need (and possibly don’t have space for).” 

Keep in mind that some couples may be starting a new life together in a new space, and they may not have room for two of the same frying pan or the painting you think they’ll love. Buying gifts off the registry helps avoid duplicates and headaches, as all those gifts are items the couple has specifically selected.

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The world’s most talented songwriters don’t always end up performing the hit songs they write. Maybe the tune isn’t quite right for the album they’re currently working on, or they’re specifically hired to compose a song for someone else. Whatever the case, some tracks are handed off to a different musician, and that version becomes a smash hit. 

World-class talents such as Prince, Willie Nelson, and the Bee Gees have all penned songs that became an indelible part of another artist’s repertoire. Here’s a look at five famous musicians who wrote hit songs for someone else.

Prince: “Manic Monday” by the Bangles

The 1986 single “Manic Monday” was recorded by the all-female rock quartet the Bangles, and many assume the group wrote the track. But the song was originally penned two years earlier by Prince, the same year he released the seminal album Purple Rain. 

Back in 1983, Prince founded an all-female singing trio called Apollonia 6. The following year he wrote “Manic Monday” for that band’s namesake album, though he ultimately opted to leave it off the record. Two years later, he decided it was the perfect song for the Bangles, who’d just made their debut with the 1984 album All Over the Place. 

According to Bangles founder Susanna Hoffs, Prince was a big fan of that album, specifically the song “Hero Takes a Fall.” Prince later showed up unexpectedly at a Bangles gig in San Francisco, where he hopped on stage and played a solo backed by the rest of the band.

In May 1985, Prince formally offered “Manic Monday” to the Bangles (along with the song “Jealous Girl,” which the band rejected). Songwriting credit was given to “Christopher” — a pseudonym meant to reference Prince’s character in the 1986 film Under the Cherry Moon. “Manic Monday” eventually peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1986. Coincidentally, the No. 1 song that very same week was Prince’s own song, “Kiss.”

Willie Nelson: “Crazy” by Patsy Cline

“Crazy” is undoubtedly the defining song of Patsy Cline’s career. It’s also her only top 10 Billboard hit, having reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1961. But Cline didn’t pen this beautiful ballad; that credit belongs to country legend Willie Nelson. At the time, Nelson was in his mid-20s and just kicking off his own musical career.

In the late 1950s, Nelson used his daily commute to compose new song ideas. On one such journey, he wrote “Crazy” in less than an hour, though it was originally titled “Stupid.” The song was far from a hit at first, and he struggled to sell the tune because it was more complex than most country songs at the time. As Nelson told American Songwriter, “Crazy” “wasn’t your basic three-chord country hillbilly song,” and he ended up having “problems immediately… because it had four or five chords in it.”

In the 2023 book Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs, Nelson explained how the song ended up in Patsy Cline’s hands. It began when he brought a scratchy recording of the tune to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium one night, where he met Cline’s husband, Charlie Dick. Dick loved the song so much that he drove Nelson over to his house at 1 a.m. and woke up Cline so she could listen to it. Cline went on to put her own spin on the tune, which became the hit we know today.

Neil Diamond: “I’m a Believer” by the Monkees

The Monkees started as a fictional band created for their namesake sitcom, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968. Despite the fact that they didn’t even play their own instruments at first (they relied on studio musicians for that), they eventually became a real-life pop sensation. 

Monkees songs topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart three separate times, including “Last Train to Clarksville” and “Daydream Believer,” both of which were written by other songwriters. The band also hit No. 1 with 1966’s “I’m a Believer,” which was written by a then up-and-coming Neil Diamond, who went on to become one of the bestselling musicians of all time.

Diamond cracked the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10 for the first time on May 21, 1966 with his song “Solitary Man,” and hit No. 6 with “Cherry, Cherry” that August. His work caught the attention of the Monkees’ musical supervisor Don Kirshner, who reached out to Diamond’s producers and asked if he had any other songs similar to “Cherry, Cherry.” 

Diamond agreed to let the Monkees record “I’m a Believer,” which became a major hit for the group. Diamond later released his own version on his 1967 album Just for You, though it proved to be far less popular. During a 2008 interview with Mojo, he was asked if he was upset that the Monkees’ version performed better. He replied that he was “thrilled because, at heart, I was still a songwriter and I wanted my songs on the charts.”

The Bee Gees: “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

On October 29, 1983, “Islands in the Stream” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for two weeks. This beautiful duet between country legends Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton was a hit, earning Rogers his first No. 1 pop song since 1980’s “Lady” and Parton her first since 1981’s “9 to 5.” But despite both artists being talented songwriters in their own right, the song was actually written by Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb — collectively known as the Bee Gees.

In a 2001 interview with Good Morning America, Barry Gibb said the band originally wrote the tune for Diana Ross, although Gibb’s brother, Robin, interjected to say they actually wrote it for Marvin Gaye. Whatever the truth may be, the song ultimately fell into the hands of Kenny Rogers in 1983, with Barry Gibb producing. 

According to American Songwriter, Rogers was brought in to record the song solo, but ended up disliking the tune after four days of singing it. Barry introduced the idea of adding Dolly Parton — who happened to be downstairs at the studio — and making it a duet. Parton was brought into the room and completely transformed the song into the smash hit it remains today.

Paul McCartney: “Come and Get It” by Badfinger

Badfinger may not have achieved their success if it wasn’t for the mentorship of the Beatles. Back in 1968, they were the first band signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records label, and they even took their name from the working title of a Beatles song. (“With a Little Help From My Friends” was originally called “Bad Finger Boogie” since John Lennon performed it with an injured hand.) Badfinger can also credit their first major success to Paul McCartney, who wrote the top 10 hit song “Come and Get It.”

McCartney originally wrote “Come and Get It” for the 1969 movie The Magic Christian, which starred Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. McCartney recorded a demo of the song on July 24, 1969, and even considered including it on Abbey Road. But he decided to give the song over to Badfinger instead, and held auditions to determine which band member would sing lead. (Rhythm guitarist Tom Evans was the winner.) 

While the band suggested putting their own take on it, McCartney instructed them to perform it exactly like the demo and turned down any other suggestions. The result was a success, as “Come and Get It” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on April 18, 1970, and spent 15 weeks total on the chart.