The popularity of the Lenormand fortune-telling cards, which have been on the market in various forms for 200 years, can be largely attributed to the fame of their (alleged) creator: Mademoiselle Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand (1772 – 1843) was perhaps the most famous fortune-teller of the 19th century. She was already well-known during her lifetime, and many prominent figures of her time sought her counsel.

The so-called "Little Lenormand cards," which are particularly well-known and popular in Germany, consist of 36 cards, each featuring a single image (e.g., Ring, House, Rider) in a specific order. All cards are numbered from 1 to 36, and many also have associated card images like those found in playing cards (Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, Clubs from 6 to 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace) and/or rhymes that relate to the interpretation of each card. The order and numbering of all "Little Lenormand cards" are the same. Only card No. 12 "Birds" is referred to as "Owls" in some variants, which then depict owls instead of other types.

This card deck from the Viennese card manufacturer Piatnik is reminiscent of the parlor cards of the 18th and 19th centuries, which were very popular among the upper bourgeoisie at the time. In addition to the illustrations, the playing card symbols are depicted. The brief instructions are provided in German, English, and French.