Are you at work, longing to be free from the confines of your cubicle? Sorry, I can’t help you there, but I can help you have some fun. Grab a piece of paper and fold it like you would to make a fan. Go ahead, no one will notice. If they do, tell them you are hot flashing.
Now that you have your hand fan, here is the Secret Language of the Fan.
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 FAN CLOSED: “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) HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN: “I love you.”
9) SHUTTING A FULLY OPENED FAN SLOWLY: “I promise to marry you.”
10) DRAWING THE FAN ACCROSS 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) FANNING SLOWLY: “I am married.”
17) FANNING QUICKLY: “I am engaged.” “I am engaged.”
18) PUTTING THE FAN HANDLE TO THE LIPS: “Kiss me.”
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 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.”
25) DRAWING THE FAN ACROSS THE FOREHEAD: “You have changed.”
26) TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: “We are being watched.”
27) TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: “I love another.”
28) CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: “You are too willing.”
29) CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: “Come and talk to me.”
30) DRAWING THE FAN THROUGH THE HAND: “I hate you!”
31) DRAWING THE FAN ACROSS THE CHEEK: “I love you!”
32) PRESENTING THE FAN SHUT: “Do you love me?”
5 COMMENTS
Lori
17 years agoWow! You have lots of information here. Glad to see you having such a great time. I hope you sell lots and lots of books!
Have fun!!
Kimber Chin
17 years agoThis is exactly what I’ve been looking for. When I was in Spain last, I picked my niece up a fan and thought she’d have fun with sending “messages” (she’s 7).
Enjoying your posts Laura!
LauraReagan
17 years ago AUTHORThanks, Lori!
Allison Knight
17 years agoLaura,
Fascinating. But, what does it mean when you fan yourself briskly – right hand, left hand?? Or does it just mean you’re hot?
LauraReagan
17 years ago AUTHORInteresting question. One 18th century version of the SLF indicates that fanning with left hand means “Don’t flirt with that woman.” Fanning herself slowly, “Don’t waste your time. I am not interested in you.” Fanning quickly, “I love you so much.”
Another version, from 19th Century states only Fanning fast means “I’m engaged.”
It is easy to see where a young woman might wind up sending the wrong message.