The Victorian Language of Fans – They Have a Language of Their Own!
Did you know that in Victorian times the ladies had an unspoken “fan” language? Maybe a tradition we should bring back today! Here are some of the meanings:
If a young lady held her fan to her lips, it begged a kiss
Dropping it meant friendship only
Drawing it across her eyes meant an apology
The fan placed near the heart signaled You have won my love
Did she hide the eyes behind an open fan ~ I love you
Running her fingers through the fans ribs meant, “I want to talk.”
Opening and closing the fan several times ~ You are cruel ~
Fanning slowly meant I am married
Fanning quickly meant I am engaged
Passing the fan from one hand to another meant, “I see you are looking at another.”
Using it to move her hair away from her forehead meant, “Don’t forget me!”
Twirling the fan in the left hand ~ You are being watched ~
You will find stunning handmade battenburg or Belgium lace antique look fan. Styled after a beauty from days gone by. Lovely for a bride, bridesmaids, or flower girls. Nice displayed on a bridal shower table or even hanging on the wall for your Shabby Chic or Victorian decors. Perfect for theatrical performances or Civil War re-enactors. Fans make a wonderful tea party favor as well. Available in white, ivory, red, black and purple. Matching lace parasols are also available, as well as a large selection of handkerchiefs. Did you know there is a language of Handkerchief Flirtations too? I will save those for another day!
The Author:
Luanne R. Oda
