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Classic Slot Symbols and Their Meanings Explained

Many of the classic slot symbols we recognize today have their origins in the late 19th and early 20th century. Their symbolism and significance have evolved over generations of gamblers. Let’s explore some of the secret stories behind why certain symbols became slot machine staples on such platforms as CloverSpin.

Fruit Symbols 

The fruit images on slots hark back to their early days when the machines were forced to mask their functions. Back in the late 1800s, anti-gambling groups were pushing to make slot machines illegal. To circumvent bans, slot creators started using fruit icons instead of playing card suits.

The fruit symbols indicated various flavored gums that were given out rather than direct payouts. Cherries, lemons, oranges, plums and other fruity images denoted fruit-flavored chewing gums that players could redeem from establishment owners. Of course, the gum prizes were stand-ins for monetary rewards.

This fruit facade allowed slots to continue operating behind the scenes as de facto gambling devices. The long-lasting fruit images serve as a reminder of slots’ forbidden past and the need for subterfuge from moral opposition.

Liberty Bells 

The liberty bell is another vintage slot symbol tied to America’s history. It recalls Paul Revere’s midnight ride in 1775 to warn American revolutionaries of British troop movements.

In the late 19th century, a slot machine known as the “Liberty Bell” was created by Charles Fey. His coin-operated device featured a large liberty bell icon and started a slot craze. Soon, every slot clone machine copied the liberty bell symbol along with other lucky charms. Its resonance remains today each time a player hits the reels. The clanging bells signal big wins, much like Paul Revere’s famous bells announced American independence.

Bars & Sevens

The bars and sevens signs have their roots in the occult, astrology and numerology. The single, double and triple bars reflect the stripes of the American flag. But they also symbolize grasped fortunes and heavy weights of gold. The magical number seven has figured in multiple faiths as indicating blessings, luck and divine intervention. It remains a quintessential jackpot combination for slots.

When three sevens align, it triggers substantial payouts along with the euphoric chiming of bells. The stars above the triple 777 also amplify lucky profits for the player. Next time you see these symbols float onto the reels, expect your winning prospects to get a ’divine’ boost!

Top 5 Slot Icons Based on Frequency

SymbolFrequencyMeaning
Cherries94%Sweetest fruit rewards
Single Bar88%Mini jackpot
Double Bar81%Mid-level winnings
Triple Bar77%Major jackpot
Seven75%Lucky charms

Other Symbols with Unexpected Meanings 

Beyond the classic images, some modern video slots contain symbols with clever hidden meanings. For example, in mythology slots you may see:

  • Pegasus representing freedom and inspiration
  • A minotaur symbolizing strength amid chaos
  • Pixies denoting mischief and childlike joy
  • Nymphs, indicating beauty and playfulness

Even standard card suit symbols can have deeper ties to tarot readings with clubs as wisdom, spades as resilience, hearts as emotion and diamonds as clarity.

In holiday slots like St. Patrick’s Day games, very specific symbols are integrated:

  • Leprechauns signify good fortune
  • Four-leaf clovers mean rarity and luck
  • Rainbows recall treasured gold pots
  • Pints of green beer represent celebration

There are often witty references folded into the iconography. Designers enjoy embedding clues about bigger concepts or famous phrases within the symbols:

  • An apple with a wormhole alludes to teachers as heroes from the “Big Apple”
  • A skull-and-crossbones over a vat of chemicals warns players they could be risking their stash
  • Atlas shouldering a giant globe hints that slot play supports bigger burdens
  • A crown symbol cracked open reveals the saying “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”

Even mundane icons can have quirky backstories:

  • A red stapler refers to the comedy film Office Space
  • A blue fly recalls the science teacher’s strange transformation in Breaking Bad

So next time you sit down to play slots, bring a sense of curiosity about all the creative symbols spinning around the reels in front of you. The images likely carry deeper subcultural messages beyond just bright colors and random shapes. With over a century of history behind them, slot symbols have become their own unique language — now you have the insider knowledge to interpret their covert stories!

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