Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Language of the Fan

This past week we were happy to welcome Victorian interpreter Myra of Places Through Time Living History to the tea room.Myra shared the protocol of Victorian etiquette including parasol flirtation to the distinction between her ball room gown (shown here) and the everyday dress. She shared the absolute essentials for every well-bred lady and gentleman. The basic rules include learning to govern yourself, to be gentle and patient, to never speak in anger, and to speak in a gentle tone of voice. Learn to say kind things and do not neglect the little things. Courtesy demands the return of all civil greetings and leads to a more pleasant and perfect world. Nothing wrong with trying to practice those basic rules in today's society either!She shared the language of the fan, and demonstrated some of the 'comments' a well bred lady might make with her fan. Resting the fan on the right cheek means 'yes' while on the left cheek it means 'no'. To say I'm sorry, draw the fan across the eyes. Fan very quickly to say you are engaged, very slowly if you are married. Everyone had the opportunity to practice 'speaking' with fans. Thank you Myra for an enjoyable evening.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

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Angela McRae said...

That sounds like a fun event, and very educational too. And yes, those rules of etiquette are just as timely today, aren't they!