Fan Language

Apr 09, 2016 07:06

Last year, at my favorite con, Sirens, I did a presentation on folding fans and fan language. Unfortunately, I can't reproduce here the fun part--the skits the participants put together. I had expected ten or twelve people at most, but the room was packed, so we ended up with five different teams, who came up with hilarious and inventive skits ( Read more... )

fans, culture social rules, history

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Comments 21

breathingbooks April 10 2016, 02:24:47 UTC
Every year I think I should do Sirens because it looks so nice. One day I will not pour my money into books and other trips and so will have enough for Sirens. Maybe? It's a beautiful dream, anyway. :D

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sartorias April 10 2016, 02:26:47 UTC
I hope you do!

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dorotheian April 10 2016, 04:51:01 UTC
Do you have any guidelines for how to spot a high-quality fan that will last a long time, or be able to make that gunshot sound?

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sartorias April 10 2016, 14:16:44 UTC
It's got to be sturdily made, with a solid hinge, but the hinge cannot keep the sticks wound in tightly. The fabric should also be good, silk or like silk, and the fan, when you hold it sideways, should slip through your fingers. The opening and closing is all wrist action, though the first and second fingers can be used in slow spreading and closing, if you don't want to be obvious about it. Like, in the theater back in days of yore, when I'd paid a lot to see Nureyev dance, someone two seats down insisted on lighting up an especially noxious cigar, I kept my fan half-open, at lap level, to blow his toxic waste back at him, without raising the fan to interfere with the viewing of people to my side or behind me.

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herself_nyc April 10 2016, 22:50:28 UTC
I always carry a fan in my bag, for use on hot subway platforms, or when, as on Friday night in a restaurant, I drink a cocktail that overheats me …

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sartorias April 11 2016, 00:43:46 UTC
Oh, yes, how often I've yanked out my fan while waiting for a subway train!

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filkferengi April 12 2016, 03:30:30 UTC
Many years ago, at DragonCon, on the freebie table were fans with G'Kar's face on them. I got one & have kept it in the back of the suitcase ever since. I didn't want to throw it away & didn't know what else to do with it. Now that I'm at the stage of being extra warm & friendly, I keep it in my bag for cons. Even in January, it's come in very handy.

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sartorias April 12 2016, 03:42:23 UTC
Not sure who G'Kar is, but that's cool!

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filkferengi April 12 2016, 12:12:33 UTC
From Babylon 5, played by Andreas Katsulas, who had the loveliest voice. His is the middle voice here, in the Declaration of Principles, just over 1 minute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guLQ8KDNyLw

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sartorias April 12 2016, 13:17:59 UTC
You're right! He does have a gorgeous voice!

Sometime I need to see that series.

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