THE LANGUAGE OF THE FAN

In writing the (as yet unpublished) sequel to A Heart Set Free, there is a scene in the story that deals with the “language of the fan”. During the Colonial period, ladies’ fans were both decorative clothing accessories and utilitarian. Remember, these ladies often had many layers of clothing on and “air-conditioning” was far in the future.

However, ladies carried fans not only for decorative or cooling purposes. They were also used as a means of subtle and private communication with men in public locations. As I researched this subject I discovered that the meanings for the various fan movements changed over time.

Here are the commonly understood “expressions” utilized during the colonial era:

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

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

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

Threatening gestures with a closed fan:  "Do not be so imprudent"

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

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

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

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

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

Drawing the fan across the eyes:  "I am sorry."                                                             Touching the finger to the tip of the fan:    "I wish to speak with you."

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

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

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

Dropping the fan:    "We will be friends."

Fanning slowly:       "I am married."

Fanning quickly:     "I am engaged."

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

Opening a fan wide:            "Wait for me."

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

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

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

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

Fan held over left ear:   "I wish to get rid of you."                                                         Drawing the fan across the forehead:     "You have changed."

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

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

Carrying the open fan in the right hand:   "You are too willing."                               Carrying the open fan in the left hand:   "Come and talk to me."

Drawing the fan through the hand:  "I hate you!"

Drawing the fan across the cheek: "I love you!"

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

Do you own (or flirt) with a fan?

I own two fans. At my age they are very utilitarian -- to keep cool.

I will be addressing the various varieties of fans available and popular during the colonial period in a later post. 

Janet Grunst can be found at:
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