The Language of the Fan

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 4:09 PM | Webmaster BHM (Administrator)


The language of the fan, a humorous look at Victorian communications between ladies and gentlemen, is also presented by Kim Poovey.

The fan placed near the heart: “You have won my love.” Resting the fan on the heart. “My love for you is breaking my heart.”

The fan placed near the heart: “You have won my love.” Resting the fan on the heart. “My love for you is breaking my heart.”

Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: “Yes.”

Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: “Yes.”

Letting the dan rest on the left cheek: "No"

Letting the dan rest on the left cheek:

Fanning slowly: “I am married.” Fanning quickly. “I am engaged.”

Fanning slowly: “I am married.” Fanning quickly. “I am engaged.”

Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: “I wish to speak with you.”

Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: “I wish to speak with you.”

Putting the fan handle to the lips: “Kiss me.” Resting the fan on her lips: “I don’t trust you.”

Putting the fan handle to the lips: “Kiss me.” Resting the fan on her lips: “I don’t trust you.”

Drawing the fan across the cheek: “I love you.”

Drawing the fan across the cheek: “I love you.”




Our mission is to preserve, portray, and promote the experiences of our past that influence us now and in the future.

The Beaufort History Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 713 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902. Mailing Address: PO Box 172, Beaufort, SC 29901 

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software