Here’s how Filipinas used ‘abanikos’ to communicate with their suitors
Have you ever wondered how Maria Clara used to send secret messages to her “manliligaw,” Crisostomo Ibarra?
Back in the distant past, abaniko, commonly known today as pamaypay, wasn’t just a hand-held fan for warm, sunny days. It was also an accessory staple to complement the Filipina attire, baro’t saya.
Because of Spain’s lengthy colonization of the country, Filipinos inherited various traditions, evolving their dress styles into a more European look. As a result, it became a fundamental part of Filipino culture and a symbol of demureness. Dr. Jose Rizal even utilized abaniko in his Noli Me Tangere novel to embody Maria Clara’s modesty.
Women had to maintain their decency and morality under conservative Catholic rules, making courtship difficult at the time. Filipino men and women, however, devised ingenious ways to communicate discreetly using an abaniko. Through Casa Mercedes’ website, the materials from the Lopez Museum were used to illustrate how Filipinas used abaniko as a communication device with their potential suitors.
Language of the Fan
Right hand holding the fan downwards.
Meaning: This gesture indicates that the woman is, in fact, single.
Left hand holding the fan downwards.
Meaning: If a woman does this, she’s already taken. Unless she covers half her face with abaniko, that could escalate to something. But otherwise, she’s not interested.
Rapidly fanning.
Meaning: “I like you.”
Slowly closing the fan.
Meaning: “You’re not worthy.”
Closing the fan suddenly.
Meaning: It means she’s bored… yikes.
Intentionally dropping the fan.
Meaning: “I trust you.”
Holding the fan close to the chest.
Meaning: It’s her way of saying, “I feel bad about what you did to me.”
Covering half of the face using abaniko.
Meaning: “Follow me.”
Counting the fan’s ribs.
Meaning: “I want to talk to you.”
Playing the fan’s tassel.
Meaning: “I don’t treasure nor value you.”
A fan behind the back.
Meaning: “I don’t want to talk to you.”
Letting someone borrow abaniko, closed.
Meaning: Similar to intentionally dropping the fan, this also means “I trust you” and with full “acceptance.”
Letting someone borrow abaniko, opened
Meaning: This is how they used to “friendzone” a suitor before. But also in style, of course. It means “I treat you like a sibling or friend.”
A bespoke line by Monchet Olives, Monchet y Cia is Casa Mercedes’ oldest fan maker in the country. “I don’t design fans. I complete a lifestyle,” said Olives.
You can visit Monchet y Cia’s official website to check out their collection of handmade fans.
Originally published at globaldailymirror.com on July 18, 2022.
