1860's Dixie Dancers Language of the Fan

1860'S DIXIE DANCERS

LANGUAGE OF THE FAN

fan

At a dance, a lady would routinely carry a fan with her, not only for cooling comfort, but also as a means of communication to attending gentlemen. The lady would necessarily meet the gentleman’s gaze, though perhaps from across the room, in order to transmit her message with her fan. Thus, merely fanning the fan in a fast motion would not automatically serve any purpose other than cooling unless the lady was specifically looking at a certain gentleman and intending to send a message. A coy tilt of the head, wry smile perhaps, and bright eyes, would definitely get the man’s attention.

Handle to Lips	Kiss me
In right hand in front of face	Follow me
Carried in left hand	I desire your acquaintance
Placing on left ear	You have changed!
Twirling in left hand	I wish to be rid of you!
Drawing across forehead	We are watched!
Drawing through hand	I hate you!
Drawing across cheek	I love you!
Twirling in right hand	I love another.
Closing it gently	I wish to speak with you.
Drawing it across 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’m engaged.
Fanning slowly	I’m married.
Open wide	Wait for me.