Estonia
Estonia's first period of independence lasted 22 years, beginning in 1918, and this period was one of great cultural advancement.
Playing Cards in Estonia
Estonia's first period of independence lasted 22 years, beginning in 1918, and this period was one of great cultural advancement when some of the best playing card designs were produced. But then Estonia was occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union in 1939-1940. During the war Estonia was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941, then reoccupied by the Soviet Union in 1944. Estonia regained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR and joined the European Union in 2004.
See also: Estonian Historic Playing Cards
Modern Estonian Souvenir Playing Cards
Above: Estonian Souvenir playing cards, c.2010.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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Estonia
Estonia's first period of independence lasted 22 years, beginning in 1918, and this period was one o...
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