The Secret Messages Filipinas Used to Send With Their Abanikos
Similar to the vinyl record player or the film camera, a traditional hand fan or the
But more than its design, novelty, and original purpose of cooling us down, the fan played a big role in our own history as it acted as a secret communication device.
Hand fans have enjoyed a long history, dating back to at least 3,000 years ago. They were originally used as cooling and ceremonial devices by the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Etruscans. During the Spanish regime in the Philippines, the
Fortunately, the women during that time were resourceful enough to work around the modest façade that they had to keep around men and cleverly used fans to convey the words and emotions they were supposed to keep to themselves. It was an unspoken and widely understood language that women would use to interact with their suitors. It was their own type of code equivalent to the text messages men and women would send each other today.
While the secret language is no longer practiced, the
Here’s what each fan action meant, according to the Language of the Fan by Casa Mercedes:
Action: Holding the fan downwards with the right hand
Meaning: “Single”
Action: Holding the fan downwards with the left hand
Meaning: “I am betrothed”
Action: Fanning quickly
Meaning: “I like you, sit with me.”
Action: Closing the fan slowly
Meaning: “Not worthy.”
Action: Closing the fan abruptly
Meaning: “Bored.”
Action: Dropping the fan to the ground
Meaning: “I trust you.”
Action: Holding the fan to the chest
Meaning: “I feel bad about what you did to me.”
Action: Counting the ribs of the fan
Meaning: “I want to talk to you.”
Action: Covering half the face
Meaning: “Follow me.”
Action: Playing with the fan’s tassel or fringe
Meaning: “I don’t treasure or value you.”
Action: Hiding the fan behind the back
Meaning: “I don’t want to talk to you.”
Action: Lending the fan while closed
Meaning: “I trust and accept you.”
Action: Lending the fan while fully opened
Meaning: “I see you as a sibling or friend.”
For more information, visit monchetycia.com.
