The Language of the Fan
“..the first person to organise ‘a language of the fan’ was a Spaniard named Fenella, who published (in Spanish) fifty directions on how to converse with the fan”-Nancy Armstrong
Carrying in right hand in front of face:Follow me
Carrying in left hand in front of face: Desirous of acquaintance
Placing it on left ear: I wish to get rid of you
Drawing it across the forehead: You have changed
Twirling it in the left hand: We are watched
Carrying it in the right hand: You are too willing
Drawing through the hand: I hate you
Twirling in the right hand: I love another
Drawing across the cheek: I love you
Presented shut: Do you love me?
Drawing across the eyes: I am sorry
Touching tip with finger: I wish to speak with you
Letting it rest on right cheek: Yes
Letting it rest on left cheek: No
Open and shut: You are cruel
Dropping it: We will be friends
Fanning slowly: I am married
Fanning quickly: I am engaged
With handle to lips: Kiss me
Open wide: Wait for me
Carrying in left hand, open: Come and talk to me
Placed behind head: Don’t forget me
With little finger extended: Good-bye
The shut fan held to the heart: You have won my love
The shut fan resting on the right eye: When may I be allowed to see you?
Presenting a number of sticks, fan part opened: At what hour?
Touching the unfolded fan in the act of waving: I long always to be near thee
Threaten with the shut fan: Do not be so imprudent
Gazing pensively at the shut fan: Why do you misunderstand me?
Pressing the half-opened fan to the lips: You may kiss me
Clasping the hands under the open fan: Forgive me I pray you
Cover the left ear with the open fan: Do not betray out secret
Shut the fully opened fan very slowly: I promise to marry you
Source: Fans by Nancy Armstrong
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