oracoli
Gypsy deck
The gypsy or Kipper deck is a Central European cartomantic deck of 36 cards, popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and the Balkans. Its historical name in German is Zigeunerkarten ("gypsy cards"). Today the name "Kipper" is often preferred to avoid stereotypical connotations.
Composition
Thirty-six numbered cards, each with a descriptive title and a nineteenth-century scene of life: 1 Male significator, 2 Female significator, 3 Wedding, 4 Meeting, 5 Good gentleman, 6 Good lady, 7 Letter, 8 False thoughts, 9 Change, 10 Journey, and so on up to 36 Hope.
Tradition
The Kipper is attributed to the Bavarian cartomancer Susanne Kipper of Munich, active in the 19th century. The deck is produced by German and Austrian publishers (Piatnik, ASS) and is today protected by copyright for its modern illustrations. The reading techniques partly overlap with those of the Lenormand, although the symbols are different.
FAQ
Is it the same as the Lenormand?
No. Both have 36 cards and originate in the same period, but symbols and numberings differ. The reading techniques only partly overlap.
Is the name "gypsy" correct?
It is the historical Italian and German name. Today some prefer "Kipper" or "tarot of destiny" to avoid stereotypical connotations.
Do the gypsy cards have Roma origin?
No. The deck is a nineteenth-century German publishing product. The name reflects European imagery of the time, not an actual origin in Roma communities.