I'm A Fan.

[jones jones]

Fans were not only a fashion accessory, but a means of flirtatious communication. Wherever young men and women intermingled, the click of a fan sent a message.

The Young Ladies Journal of 1872 reported on the significance of each charming gesture:

◦Fan fast - I am independent

◦Fan slow - I am engaged

◦Fan with right hand in front of face - Come on

◦Fan with left hand in front of face - Leave me

◦Fan open and shut - Kiss me

◦Fan open wide - Love

◦Fan half open - Friendship

◦Fan shut - Hate

◦Fan swinging - Can I see you home?

◦Twirling in right hand - I am watching you

◦Drawn slowly across the cheek - I love you

◦Resting fan on right cheek - Yes

◦Placing the fan behind your head - Don’t forget me

◦Touching the fan against your left ear - Go away!