The Language of Fans

These age-old customs have been complied from various sources and are from the Victorian era of folding fans. Still, many of the messages can be conveyed with fixed span fans like those used in the Renaissance period.

• Closed, near the heart: "You have won my love"
• Closed, touching the right eye: "When may I me allowed to see you?"
• The number of ribs shown answered the question: "At what hour?"
• Closed making threatening movements: "Don't be impudent!"
• Closed, against one's chin: "I don't trust you"
• Closed, tapping with index finger: "We have to talk"
• Closed, brushing hair from forehead: "Don't forget me"
• Closed, touching finger to the tip of fan: "I have to talk to you"
• Closed, resting on right cheek: "Yes"  Closed, resting on left cheek: "No"
• Closed, hanging from right hand: "I want to be engaged" or "Available, single"
• Closed, hanging from left hand: "I'm engaged"
• Closed, poking him in the ribs: "I like you, pay attention to me"
• Closed, drawn along his cheek: "I love you"
• Half-opened, pressed to lips: "You may kiss me"
• Half-open, in front of face: "Be careful" or "I don't like you"
• Open, over left ear: "Don't betray our secret"
• Open, hiding eyes: "I love you"
• Open, fanning slowly: Lack of interest
• Open, fanning quickly: Passion, love, interest
• Twirling fan in right hand:< "I love another"
• Twirling fan in the left hand: "We are being watched"
• Dropping fan to the floor: "I surrender, I am yours"