When 19th century puertorican ladies went dancing, they were always accompanied by their mothers or another adult lady, called "the Chaperona" (Shah-peh-roh-nah), to watch her behavior. They were very zealous so, the young girls invented a way to communicate with the boys without being noticed by them. They used their fans in different ways to convey their messages. It is said that:
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If the lady moved her fan very slowly over her chest it meant: "I am free and available, I don't have a boyfriend" |
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If she moved the fan in fast and short movements over her chest it meant: "I have a partner or boyfriend, so keep going". |
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If she opened and closed her fan and touched her cheek with it, it told the gentleman: "I like you!" |
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If she placed the fan on her temple and looked upwards, it said: "I think of you day and night!" |
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If she saw her boyfriend talking to another girl or suspected he was being unfaithful she touched the tip of her nose with her fan, meaning:: "Something doesn't smell good here" |
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If she walked from side to side hitting the palm of her hand with the fan, it meant: "Be careful, honey, the "Chaperona" is coming" |
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If she opened and closed the fan and then pointed with it toward the garden: "Wait for me there, sweetheart. Soon I will be there with you." |
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And finally, if she covered her mouth with the open fan and looked at him very suggestively she was sending him a kiss, and obviously, the gentleman knew he was the chosen one! |
