Language of the Fan

During the Victorian Era ladies nearly always carried a fan.  For cooling and also as a means of communication to gentlemen who she found attractive and interesting.  The lady would meet his gaze, sometimes across the room, and begin to talk to him with her fan.  Ladies usually had a way of tilting their heads and a look in their eye to get the man's attention.

Handle to the lips	Kiss me.
In right hand in front of her face	Follow me.
Carried in left hand	I desire your acquaintance
Place on left ear	You have changed.
Twirling in left hand	I wish to be rid of you.
Drawing across forehead	We are being watched.
Drawing though hand	I hate you.
Drawing across cheek	I love you.
Twirling in right hand	I love another.
Closing it gently	I wish to speak to you.
Drawing it across her eyes	I am sorry.
Resting on right cheek	Yes
Resting on left cheek	No
Open and shut	You are cruel.
Dropping	We are friends.
Fanning fast	I am engaged.
Fanning slowly	I am married.
Open wide	Wait for me.

19 March 2005