Barcelona - They're used to convey a myriad of emotions, can be found in a multitude of styles and colours to express your sense of fashion and style, they can also be used for propaganda purposes and we've all used one at some time or another.
Queen Victoria deemed it an invaluable accessory for a proper lady, the Japanese invented the folding version and the Egyptians use them to keep their Pharaohs cool.
They can be fine, fancy, folded, rigid or pleated. An accessory that is at home in cultures from the West to the East and with a language of its own you'll find the fan is not just for decoration or to keep one cool.
The humble fan carries a secret language all of its own and in Spain it is called 'abanico'. For centuries ladies have been using the fan to express a range of emotions or signal important messages. Trafalgar uncovers the secret language of the fan.
If a lady wishes to signal to the man trying to woo her that she is available she will open the fan facing up and place it coquettishly (in her left hand) gently against her chin. If the lady places the open fan over her heart she is signaling that the man has won her love, and to signal that she is open to a kiss she will put the fan handle up to her lips.
A saucy way to show that the lady would like the man to buy her a drink would be to circle the rim of the glass with the tip of a closed fan. Of course if our lovely lady does not wish to further acquaint herself with the suitor she can send him a range of signals that are quite unmistakable.
By holding the closed fan up, pointed towards her left ear she is effectively telling the chap to leave her alone. If he still doesn't get the message she can slowly wave her fan facing downward on the left hand side to show that she belongs to another. If that doesn't work then drawing the closed fan through her hand will say in no uncertain terms: “I hate you!” It couldn't be plainer.
Get travelling to Iberia
Trafalgar has a wonderful range of guided holidays that will uncover the Iberian Peninsula like no other, and with the national airline set to resume Johannesburg-Madrid flights from 1 August connectivity to this amazing country is bound to improve.
Explore every side of Andalusia, including its Moorish twist, and visit the principal Spanish cities of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona - with passionate experts on every encounter. The Spanish Wonder is priced at R19 485 per person twin share on Trafalgar's Preview Special. Guests get to book their 2017 holiday at 2016's prices with a 10% discount. Pay a deposit of R3000 within 7 days of booking to secure this deal and your space and the balance by 30 September to get an extra 10% off. All past guests receive an extra 5% discount if they have travelled on any of The Travel Corporation sister brands.
The Spanish Wonder guided holiday includes 8 nights' accommodation with hot buffet breakfast daily, four dinners (including a Be My Guest dinner in Andalusia), city tours in Toledo, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Barcelona, orientation of Valencia, visit to the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo, Mosque of the Caliphs in Cordoba, Cathedral in Seville, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Montjuïc hill and Placa Catalunya in Barcelona, views at the Cave Homes of Gaudi, the Serrano and Quart Towers and the City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava in Valencia.
Trafalgar guests will travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi and enjoy hand-picked Insider Experiences such as the Cultural Insight in Toledo where we see local craftsmen at work and the Local Specialists who will bring the destination to life. An expert Travel Director and separate Driver will also ensure that every detail is seamless and all porterage is taken care of.
For more inspiration please visit www.trafalgar.com or call (011) 280 8440.