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Starting the Malyari tribe, one topic I really wanted to research deeper was 19th century Hispanic Philippines. It was a period in Philippine history that has most influenced our traditions, culture and language and has stuck with us till today. During this time women wore baro’t saya, which was the national dress of the Philippines. Upper class women wore silk baro (garment to cover the shoulders) and saya (long skirt), while the lower-class women wore a white bark fibre version. Which ever version they wore, it must always be accompanied by an abaniko (hand held fan). During the 19th century Hispanic Philippines women communicated with body language as well as verbal communication. Each position and movement a woman did with her abaniko meant something different. It was a language more often used by women to suitors, it gave them the freedom to say what they were thinking without actually saying it. It was dubbed ‘fan language’ by historian Ambeth Ocampo.
Here are some translations: Action: covering half the face
Meaning: I would like you to follow me
My Interpretation: why don't we find somewhere a little more... private?
Action: counting the ribs of the folding fan
Meaning: I would like you to talk to me
My Interpretation: you're cute, why don't you come and shoot your shot?
Action: Holding the fan in the right hand
Meaning: I am willing to have a boyfriend
My Interpretation: I am single and ready to mingle
Action: Holding the fan in the left hand
Meaning: I am taken
My Interpretation: I already have a bf, try at your own risk
Action: Fanning vigorously
Meaning: I have deep feelings for you
My Interpretation: I legit swooning rn
Action: Fanning slowly
Meaning: I am not interested
My Interpretation: You are literally boring me to death
Action: Putting the fan aside
Meaning: I do not want to be wooed by you
My Interpretation: I was counting the ribs of my fan for the guy next to you, not you.
Action: Closing the fan abruptly
Meaning: I dislike you
My Interpretation: You're rude, this is a warning
Action: Hit closed fan against hand
Meaning: Leave me alone
My Interpretation: I'm finna about to strike you, back off
Action: Opening and closing the fan
Meaning: I am upset
My Interpretation: You pushed the joke too far, now I am sulking
Action: Open fan waving energetically on one side
Meaning: Do not come now, other people are around
My Interpretation: This is a forbidden love and my mum is gonna kill us if she catches us!
Action: Playing with the tassel or fringe
Meaning: I don't treasure of value you
My Interpretation: Literally wish I could get out of this convo right now
Action: Hiding the fan behind the back
Meaning: I don't want to talk to you
My Interpretation: Don't even try B
Action: Lending the fan while closed
Meaning: I trust and accept you
My Interpretation: You are the chosen one
Action: Lending the fan while fully opened
Meaning: I see you as a sibling or friend
My Interpretation: I like you but not in that way ... its the friend zone fan
So what do you think? Could you handle the fan language? Can you guess the silhouettes in the image above are saying?
Courtship month is coming to an end, but we still have a few more things to share!
So stay tuned on our ig @malyaritribe
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