Novios en Secretos; La lengua del Abanico

Here in Sevilla, it's impossible to walk down the street without seeing some incredibly elegant woman fending off the heat with an intricate abanico (hand fan). They can range from simple, everyday fans, to beautiful works of art. But no matter the style, I'm enchanted with them! I have an addiction that must have started back in my Princess Diaries days.

If this scene in cinematic history didn't impact your childhood you're lying.

Ever since I saw this scene I've wanted to know more about the language of the fan. So I asked my host mum some questions, googled some things, and compiled the information for your reading pleasure!


What is an Abanico?

Abanicos, or fans ,can be made from wood, paper, plastic, lace, anything really. I got mine for 2E at a little claire's type shop, but you can also find them for hundreds of dollars in collector shops. It's all up to your fancy which one you choose! Most women have multiple, coordinating the colors and fanciness level to their outfit for the day. My host mom told me she has more than she can even count!

The first historical mention of the fan was way back in the 14th century. Since then, the way of making them hasn't changed all that much. Different materials definitely, and more machines and advanced techniques, but they have the same structure.

The Secret Language of the Abanico:

Fans were traditionally used by young women of the court to talk to their peers and secret lovers discretely while under the watchful eyes of their chaperones. There are many versions of these signals (and many are conflicting!) that I've demonstrated below, utilizing the art of the selfie.

"I want you to follow me"

"Yes"

"No" or "I'm all yours"

"Kiss me", "I'm single", or sending a kiss

This one can also be "sending you a kiss"

"I want to talk to you"

"Do not reveal our secret" or "I want you to leave me alone" or "I like you"

"I'm jealous"

"We will continue to be friends", "Do you love me?",
"I want a boyfriend", "I think of you every night" or "I'm suffering but I love you"

Either "meet me other there" or "I belong to you"

We shall meet at 3 (Or 2 depending who you ask), followed by...

Fans in motion: 

-Fan yourself slowly: "I'm married and not interested!"
-Fan yourself rapidly: "Hey handsome!" or "I'm engaged"
-Fan yourself with right hand: "I love another"
-Move fan with left hand: "We are being watched"

-Open fan with left hand: "Come talk to me"
-Open fan slowly: "Wait for me"

-Strike it closed on left hand: "Write me" or "I like you"
-Strike it closed on right hand: "I don't like you"
-Semi close on right then to left: "I can't"
-Close fan quickly: I promise to marry you", "Talk to my father"
-Open and close fan: "You're cruel"

-Slide fan on forehead: "You have changed"
-Slide fan on cheek: "I want you"
-Slide fan on eyes: "Go away please"

-Throw the fan: "I hate you!"
-Take fan out of purse: "I'll be out today"
-Fiddling with fan: "I'm in a hurry"
-Upside down, open, hanging fan: "Without your love I prefer to die"

Oy Vey, Information overload! The moral of the story? Girls have actually become LESS confusing. Hope y'all learned something! <3 Katie

I love you!