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Have you thought about carrying a fan at your quinceañera? You should — the tradition has so much history! It all started during the late 1800s, when the Queen of England held “coming out” dances at the castle, to present the girls eligible for marriage. The girls used their fans – called abanicos in Spanish – to flirt with the guys.

Today the quinceañera fan is a symbol of elegance and femininity. Although no longer used by many cultures in their quinceañeras, the fan is still a fun element to add. It’s a great party favor too. It can be an accessory a madrina gives to the quince girl, or a prop for the baile sorpresa.

Or, why not give your cell phone a break and use your fan to send signals at the party?! You can include the following 15 moves and meanings that I created in the program to help your guests learn this new language.

1. FAN PLACED NEAR THE HEART: "I love you."
2. FANNING SLOWLY: "I promise."
3. HALF-OPENED FAN PRESSED TO THE LIPS: "I’ll be discreet."
4. HANDS CLASPED TOGETHER HOLDING AN OPEN FAN: "I forgive you."
5. HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN: "I am shy."
6. SHUTTING A FULLY OPENED FAN SLOWLY: "I’ll be patient."
7. DRAWING THE FAN ACROSS THE EYES: "I am sorry."
8. TOUCHING THE FINGER TO THE TIP OF THE FAN: "I wish to speak up."
9. LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE RIGHT CHEEK: "Yes."
10. LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE LEFT CHEEK: "No."
11. OPENING AND CLOSING THE FAN SEVERAL TIMES: "I thank you."
12. DROPPING THE FAN: "Friendship."
13. FANNING QUICKLY: "I am excited."
14. PLACING THE CLOSED FAN TO THE LIPS: "Kisses."
15. OPENING A FAN WIDE: "It’s the truth."

Do you have any other signals to suggest? Comment below!

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