Today’s youth do most of their communicating with their fingertips through text messaging, but courtship during the Civil War era was a little more complicated. The etiquette and manners that men and women observed during the Victorian era is a far cry from what we are accustomed to now.
The fun part of writing historical fiction is uncovering these interesting rituals and customs. For instance, did you know that the way a young lady used her fan could convey a message to a male courting her?
From the speed of the fluttering fan – which could indicate anything from confusion to rage – to the way in which a lady snapped it closed – the language of fans spoke volumes.
Here are a few of the secret messages that could be expressed with fans:
The fan placed near the heart: You have won my love
Half-opened fan pressed to the lips: You may kiss me
Hiding the eyes behind an open fan: I love you
Opening and closing the fan several times: You are cruel
Fanning slowly: I am married
Fanning quickly: I am engaged
Twirling the fan in the left hand: You are being watched
Wide Open Fan: Love
Half Open Fan: Friends
Closed Fan: Hate
Fan Placed To Left Ear: Leave me alone