In Granny's day, fans were a means of flirtatious communication, as well as a fashion accessory. There was a significance to each charming gesture and many a beau was encouraged or sent packing with the flick of a dainty wrist.
The well to do woman had many fans...paper or silk, simple or ornate, depending on the occassion. The frame of the fans may have been made of ivory or tortoiseshell. Some had tiny riddles, poems, or song lyrics written on them ..an invitation to capture a gentleman's interest and draw him closer in order to read the tiny print.
By the end of the 19th century, woman were becoming more outspoken and independent and the language of the fan became obsolete. (Hmmm...but the flirting continues to this day!)
