A reclining lady with a fan by Eleuterio Pagliani 1826

The Secret Language of Fans (Fanology)

A reclining lady with a fan by Eleuterio Pagliani

 

After a busy day of tapestry stitching it is advisable to recline on some soft velvet and taffetta silk. Perhaps with a fresh linen handkerchief and a fan to sooth those flushed cheeks!

Some of us are aware of the usefulness of fans in the society of yesteryear. They were used extensively during balls and gatherings as a means to communicate or send secret messages. A fan slowly drawn across the face for example indicates 'I love you' whereas twirling it around in the left hand means 'Look out, we're being watched'! 

Such a useful tool, I would love for it to make a resurgence in todays social gatherings, perhaps as a replacement for WhatsApp!

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