The Language of the Fan

During the Victorian Era the fan became a very important fashion accessorie - not just as a means to stay cooled or ward off unpleasant smells, but also as a way to communicate with others. I did a little research on this "language of the fan", and this is what I found out about the different gesture's meanings!

Source

1. The fan placed near the heart: "You have won my love."

2. A closed fan touching the right eye: "When may I be allowed to see you?"

3. The number of sticks shown answered the question: "At what hour?"

4. Threatening movements with a closed fan: "Do not be so imprudent."

5. Half-opened fan pressed to the lips: "You may kiss me."

6. Hands clasped together holding an open fan: "Forgive me."

7. Covering the left ear with an open fan: "Do not betray our secret."

8. Drawing the fan across the forehead: "You have changed."

Hamilton Hamilton, Woman With a Fan

9. Shutting a fully opened fan slowly: "I promise to marry you."

10. Drawing the fan across the eyes: "I am sorry."

11. Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: "I wish to speak with you."

12. Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: "Yes."

13. Letting the fan rest on the left cheek: "No."

14. Opening and closing the fan several times: "You are cruel."

15. Dropping the fan: "We will be friends."

16. Putting the fan handle to the lips: "Kiss me."

George Washington Cable, creole ladies with fans in The Grandissimes

17. Fanning slowly: "I am married."

18. Fanning quickly: "I am engaged."

19. Opening a fan wide: "Wait for me."

20. Placing the fan behind the head: "Do not forget me."

21. Placing the fan behind the head with the finger extended: "Goodbye."

22. Fan in right hand in front of face: "Follow me."

23. Fan in left hand in front of face: "I am desirous of your acquaintance."

24. Fan held over left ear: "I wish to get rid of you."

Alexander Roslin, The Lady With The Veil

25. Twirling the fan in the left hand: "We are being watched."

26. Twirling the fan in the right hand: "I love another."

27. Carrying an open fan in the right hand: "You are too willing."

28. Carrying an opened fan in the left hand: "Come and talk to me."

29. Drawing the fan through the hand: "I hate you."

30. Drawing the fan across the cheek: "I love you."

31. Hiding the eyes behind an open fan: "I love you."

32. Presenting the fan shut: "Do you love me?"

Source

I'm sure there were more gestures that meant other things too, and I can imagine that the gentlemen of those days might have had a bit of a difficult time trying to keep up with the development of this language...I love it though, and wouldn't mind if fans came into fashion again. I do use them sometimes though, and after writing this post I feel like always having one with me!