The secret language of the fan

[jenna]

The ladies had their own set of "morris code" shall we say with their fans. Here is a list that I found on geocites.com/victorianlace

Below is a list of various signals conveyed by the fan.
Many were obtained from James McKay's book
"Fans: Ornaments of Language & Fashion"

*Fanning quickly - I am engaged*
*Fanning slowly - I am married*
*Fan with right hand in front of face - Follow me*
*Fan with left hand in front of face - Desirous of Acquaintance*
*Slowly open and shut fan - Kiss me*
*Very slowly shut the open fan - I promise to marry you*
*Fan open wide - Wait for me*
*Carrying fan in right hand - You are too willing*
*Carrying fan in left hand, open - Come and talk to me*
*Twirling fan in right hand - I am watching you*
Twirling fan in left hand - I love another*
*Clasping hands under the open fan - Forgive me, I beg of you*
*Resting fan on the right cheek - Yes*
*Resting fan on the left cheek - No*
*Covering the left ear with an open fan - Do not betray our secret*
*Drawing the fan through the hand - I hate you*
*Drawing the fan slowly across the cheek - I love you*
Drawing the fan across the eyes - I am sorry*
*Drawing the fan across the forehead - You have changed*
*Placing the fan behind your head - Do no forget me*
*Touching the fan against the left ear - Go away!*
Fan presented shut - Do you love me?*
Presenting a number of sticks, fan apart, opened - At what hour?
*Open fan placed near the heart - You have my heart*
*Closed fan placed near the right eye - I'd like to see you again*
*Closed fan in left hand in front of face - I'd like to meet you*
*Touching a closed fan to the lips - I love you!*
*Gazing pensively at a closed fan - You misunderstand me*
*Fanning with little finger extended - Goodbye*
*Quickly open and shut fan - You are cruel*
*Shaking a closed fan - You are very improper!*
*Touching the tip of the fan with finger - I must speak to you*
*Touching a closed fan while waving - I wish to always be near you*
*Placing the fan's handle to the lips - Kiss me*
*Placing the tip of a closed fan to the lips - I love you*

My God!
What do they do if it is just hot? Or flies around? Lmao How would they remember all that? Wow. Great stuff.

[thea_447]

Geez, Jenna, this stuff is harder to remember than sign language. And Tommy's right. What if they're just plain HOT? Do they turn their backs to suitors and fan furiously for a few seconds and then turn around and get on with this game? Or would that too be considered giving some sort of signal?

[jenna]

I don't know folks! I don't think up this stuff. These crazy Victorians did! Wait till I post what to do if you are receiving a guest! That ought to warp your brain. It did mine the first time I heard it!

Jenna