Language of the Fan

The Language of the Victorian 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 across 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"
  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 I 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?"

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