The term is a misnomer, since they were never used for playing card games. They seem to have originated with the Moravians, who since 1731 have published an annual Losungsbuch, a book of texts and verses from a hymn. The cards were about the size of class tickets, had Scripture on one side and hymn verses (usually by Charles Wesley) on the other, and were in sets of 30-100 and usually numbered. They were passed round in class meetings and similar groups and each text became the subject for conversation.

Entry written by: OAB
Category: Subject
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