True to my word I have researched the Language of the Fan for my readers.  I found two different versions of the language.  As I read the two versions I found them quite intriguing.  I do question if they were ever used.  As I explained to Bob and my husband; men do not pick up on subtleties and hints, how would they know this secret language.  And if you used this language every lady who knew it would know what you were saying to a particular gentleman.  I also wonder how a man would know that the lady was using the fan as a fan or if she was sending a secret message.

The first version is European and was dated back to the 18th century and went through to the early 19th century.

If a lady appears at the balcony, slowly fanning her face, then she shuts the balcony.  This means 'I can't go out'.
If she does it excitedly, not shutting the balcony: 'I'll go out soon'.
Resting the fan on her lips:  'I don't trust you'.
Fanning herself with her left hand:  'Don't flirt with that woman'.
Running her fingers through the ribs:  'I want to talk to you'.
Fanning herself slowly:  'Don't waste your time, I don't care about you'.
Fanning herself quickly:  'I love you so much'.
Moving her hair away from her forehead:  'Don't forget me'.
Passing the fan from hand to hand:  'I see that you are looking at another woman'.
Hitting her hand's palm:  'Love me'.
Carrying the fan closed and hanging from her left hand:  'I'm engaged'.
Carrying the fan closed and hanging from her right hand:  'I want to be engaged'.
Closing the fan quickly and impetuously:  'I'm jealous'.
Dropping the fan:  'I belong to you'.
Resting the fan on her heart:  'My love for you makes me suffer'.
Half-opened the fan over her face:  'We are being watched over'.
Hitting any object:  'I'm impatient'.
Hiding the sunlight:  'You're ugly'.
Looking closely at the painting:  'I like you".

The second language of the fan I found was published in 1877 in a book by Daniel R. Shafer titled "Secrets of Life Unveiled".

Carrying in the right hand:  'You are too willing'.
Carrying in the left hand:  'Desirous of an acquaintance'.
Carrying in your right hand in front of your face:  'Follow me'.
Letting it rest on the right cheek:  'Yes'.
Letting it rest on the left cheek:  'No'.
Placing it on the right ear:  'You have changed'.
With the handle on to the lips:  'Kiss me'.
Twirling it on the left hand:  'I love another'.
Closing it:  'I wish to speak with you'.
Dropping it:  'We will be friends'.
Open and shut:  'You are cruel'.
Open wide:  'Wait for me'.
Shut:  'I have changed'.
Fanning fast:  'I am engaged'.
Fanning slow:  'I am married'.
Drawing across the forehead:  'We are watched'.
Drawing across the eyes:  'I am sorry'.
Drawing through the hand:  'I hate you'.
Drawing across the cheek:  'I love you'.

There was even a painting done in 1882 by French painter Jules-Joseph Lefebvre; it portrays a woman in red with a red fan.

I would like to know just one thing: Who was supposed to teach the men this secret language?  And if all of this was true and used, my hat goes off to the ladies back then for being able to teach men to notice these little subtleties of signals.  I wish I knew that secret!

Thank you for your suggestions.
Fredricka

Editor's Note....This article by Fredricka was suggested by the Capt. of the 3rd Maine.  His wife was asking about the fan language.  If anyone has an idea or question for Fredricka let me know and I will pass the question on to her.  As soon as her email is up and running, I will publish her address and you can talk directly to her.  Thanks. Bob