The fan that  women carried was used to communicate useful information, rather like semaphore.

Here is the language of the fan:

1) THE FAN PLACED NEAR THE HEART: "You have won my love."

2) A CLOSED FAN TOUCHING THE RIGHT EYE: "When may I be allowed to see you?"

3) THE NUMBER OF STICKS SHOWN ANSWERED THE QUESTION: "At what hour?"

4) THREATENING MOVEMENTS WITH A FAN CLOSED: "Do not be so imprudent"

5) HALF-OPENED FAN PRESSED TO THE LIPS: "You may kiss me."

6) HANDS CLASPED TOGETHER HOLDING AN OPEN FAN: "Forgive me."

7) COVERING THE LEFT EAR WITH AN OPEN FAN: "Do not betray our secret."

8) HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN: "I love you."

9) SHUTTING A FULLY OPENED FAN SLOWLY: "I promise to marry you."

10) DRAWING THE FAN ACCROSS THE EYES: "I am sorry."

11) TOUCHING THE FINGER TO THE TIP OF THE FAN: "I wish to speak with you."

12) LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE RIGHT CHEEK: "Yes."

13) LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE LEFT CHEEK: "No."

14) OPENING AND CLOSING THE FAN SEVERAL TIMES: "You are cruel"

15) DROPPING THE FAN: "We will be friends."

16) FANNING SLOWLY: "I am married."

17) FANNING QUICKLY: "I am engaged."

18) PUTTING THE FAN HANDLE TO THE LIPS: "Kiss me."

19) OPENING A FAN WIDE: "Wait for me."

20) PLACING THE FAN BEHIND THE HEAD: "Do not forget me"

21) PLACING THE FAN BEHIND THE HEAD WITH FINGER EXTENDED: "Goodbye."

22) FAN IN RIGHT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE: "Follow me."

23) FAN IN LEFT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE: "I am desirous of your acquaintance."

24) FAN HELD OVER LEFT EAR: "I wish to get rid of you."

25) DRAWING THE FAN ACCROSS THE FOREHEAD: "You have changed."

26) TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: "We are being watched."

27) TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: "I love another."

28) CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: "You are too willing."

29) CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: "Come and talk to me."

30) DRAWING THE FAN THROUGH THE HAND: "I hate you!"

31) DRAWING THE FAN ADROSS THE CHEEK: "I love you!"

32) PRESENTING THE FAN SHUT: "Do you love me?"