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Post by Eleanor on May 13, 2011 10:12:10 GMT -5
This may seem a silly question, but since I do not know the answer, I am going to ask it!
What does a lady do with her fan while she is dancing? Leaving it somewhere seems an opportunity for a lot of lost fans. Holding it will cause difficulty since most dances require both hands free.
Perhaps a cord or lanyard to hang it from the wrist? Is there evidence of this?
I look forward to any insight!
Most kindly,
Eleanor
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Post by celticgoddess81 on May 15, 2011 1:16:33 GMT -5
I believe Eleanor that there was usually a ribbon around the fan so that it could hang from ones elbow whilst dancing. And just for fun... be careful what you do with your fan when its in your hand as well.  The Language of Fans A century ago the demure hand-held accessory was used to convey messages more importantly than to produce a breeze. We are aware of nineteen of the gestures and their meanings. With handle to lips: kiss me Placing it on left ear: You have changed Fanning slowly: I am married Fanning fast: I am engaged Open wide: wait for me, Dropping: We are friends Drawing across forehead: We are watched Carrying in right Hand: you are too willing Drawing across Cheek: I love you Carrying in left hand: Derisous of acquarintance In right hand in front of face: Follow me Drawing through hand: I hate you Twirling in left hand: I wish to get rid of you Closing it: I wish to speak to you Drawing Across eyes: I am sorry Letting it rest on Right Cheek: Yes Letting it rest on Left Cheek: No Open and shut: You are cruel These are just a few of what they have found… highly interesting… |
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Post by dawnluckham on May 15, 2011 12:10:20 GMT -5
Well, I would say you put your fan in your pocket – in your reticule – on the table or chair… Most do have a loop to hang from your wrist, but I think it would get in the way, myself. Just like all formal events, women then, as they do today, leave their clutches, handbags and purses at the place they sit and where they may eventually leave their shawl and fan.
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Post by Eleanor on May 15, 2011 12:36:42 GMT -5
That makes sense, Dawn. I've been looking at the period fans on line. Most are at least 10" long; are reticules typically deep enough?
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Post by ColeV on May 15, 2011 21:06:36 GMT -5
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Post by Eleanor on May 16, 2011 8:35:59 GMT -5
Oh, those are fun, Colev! And I imagine you are correct about the Jamaica dance, even some of the gentlemen have fans. Very... interesting dance! ;-)
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Post by dawnluckham on May 16, 2011 10:19:58 GMT -5
Those are wonderful images! Edit to add: The size of the reticule changes throughout the period. Sometimes it's quite large and other times it's quite small. Either way a 10" fan should fit inside most. |
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Post by fufupuff on Feb 5, 2012 23:07:18 GMT -5
I have wondered the same thing! Surely even looped on a ribbon over the elbow it would swing about dangerously?
I suppose the younger ladies could leave their fans & reticules with their chaperons.
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Geona
Shopkeeper
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Post by Geona on Apr 7, 2013 8:34:11 GMT -5
There might be more than one sign for" I love you".
At a historic house in England, I found this one:
HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN: "I love you."
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Geona
Shopkeeper
Posts: 17
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Post by Geona on Jul 6, 2013 8:23:54 GMT -5
Here is some more "language of the fan" for you from Dyrham Park in England:
THE FAN PLACED NEAR THE HEART: "You have won my love."
A CLOSED FAN TOUCHING THE RIGHT EYE: "When may I be allowed to see you?"
THE NUMBER OF STICKS SHOWN ANSWERED THE QUESTION: "At what hour?"
This nearly makes a dialogue (or monologue, rather)...
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