The Handkerchief...

Did you realize that tying a knot in a handkerchief to remember something signifies a very ancient belief that the knot was a charm against evil? It is said that any demon that lurks nearby will be so intrigued by the shape of the knot, that all thoughts of interfering with you will go from his head.

The Victorians loved mystery and intrigue and a special language with their handkerchiefs allowed women to indulge in "secret" flirtatious behavior without the chance of being caught (they hoped). The gossipy matrons in the community loved nothing better than a good scandal!

Here are some of their "secret codes" and meanings:

* Drawing her handkerchief across her lips - "Let's flirt with each other"
* Twisting her handkerchief in her left hand: "Go away. I'm not interested in you."
* Twisting her handkerchief in her right hand: "I am thinking of you."
* Winding it around the third finger of her left hand: " I am married."
* Winding it around her forefinger: "I am engaged to be married."
* Drawing her handkerchief across her forehead; twirling her fan in her left hand: "Careful, we are being watched."
* Holding her handkerchief in opposite corners in both hands: or opening her fan wide "Wait for me."
* Holding a handkerchief, parasol or fan next to her right cheek: "Yes"
* Holding a handkerchief, parasol or fan next to her left cheek: "No"
* Twirling her handkerchief in her right hand: "I will meet you."
* Twirling it in her left hand: "Let's set a time to meet"
* Presenting her fan closed: "Do you love me?"
* Drawing her handkerchief or fan across her eyes: "I am sorry."
* Drawing her handkerchief across her cheek or fanning herself quickly while looking at the "object of her affection": "I love you so much"
* Folding her handkerchief carefully or running her fingers through the fan's ribs: "I wish to speak with you"
* Twirling it in both hands: "I am not interested. Get lost."
* Placing her fan against her left ear: "I wish to be rid of you."
* Waving it over her right shoulder: "Follow me"
* Dropping it on the floor: "Let's meet"
* Waving it over her left shoulder: "Farewell until we meet again."
* Drawing the fan across her forehead: "You have changed."
* Fanning herself swiftly with her left hand: "Don't you dare flirt with that woman!"
* Resting her fan on her heart: "My love for you is breaking my heart."