One last post on the lost art of signalling one's emotions in past days. This won't help you in your genealogy work of today, but it is interesting to see how, in our modern times, we've lost a lot of the "magic" of the past! There appears to have been a whole network of codes used during Colonial times which allowed men to communicate with other men; ladies with ladies and well, ladies and gentlemen to the opposite sex. Here are just a few. The Language of the Handkerchief was well known and could also apply to a delicate fan. Drawing across the lips - Desirous of and acquaintance. Drawing across the eyes - I am sorry. Taking it by the center - You are too willing. Dropping - We will be friends. Twirling in both hands - Indifference. Drawing it across the cheek - I love you. Drawing through the hands - I hate you. Letting it rest on the right cheek - Yes. Letting it rest on the left cheek - No. Twirling it in the left hand - I wish to be rid of you. Twirling it in the right hand - I love another. Folding it - I wish to speak with you. Flirting it over the right shoulder - Follow me. Opposite corners in both hands - Wait for me. Drawing across the forehead - We are watched. Lifting it to the right ear - You have changed. Letting it remain on the eyes - You are cruel. Winding around fore-finger - I am engaged. Winding around third finger - I am married. Putting it in the pocket - No more at present. Crumpling up in the hand - I am impatient. Tying a knot in one corner - Don't tell too much. Tying a knot in the middle - There will be trouble; or there are other eyes upon you. Twisting and then doubling - Let us go together. Flirting it over the left shoulder - You have deceived me. Tossing it up and catching it in both hands- Come at once. Touching right eye twice - Repeat you last signal. Worn in the belt - Bound to you. Biting it - I am very angry with you. Shaking it slightly - You are a flirt. Holding up, and then dropping in lap - Forgive me. Folding and then unfolding it - I have something to tell you. Doubling and striking left hand with it - Don't you dare. Two distinct shakes - Stay where you are. Clasping it to the heart - I love you to distraction. Waving from both hands - Signal of distress-Come and help me. Holding it up without waving - I wait for you, Touching the lips, and then waving - Good by, dear. Twisting it around the wrist - I would kiss you if I dared. Placing it under the arm (at armpit) - I'll dance with you; I'll go home with you; I'll be with you. [This signal, in fact, implies very cordial or close relations of the parties, and as it is easily given in assemblies without attracting attention, is now used freely to make appointments.] The Language of the Cane was used by the gents and sent messages too! Throwing it around the fingers in the left hand - I wish to speak to you; or, let me meet you. Throwing it around the fingers of the right hand - Desire an acquaintance; or, who is he or she? Putting the head in the mouth - I love you. Knocking it with great force on the ground- I hate you; or, I hate him or her. Holding it top and bottom in both hands - Wait for me. Putting it on the left shoulder - I am engaged. Putting it on the right shoulder - Follow me. Dragging it behind, on the ground - We will be friends. Handing it to a person by the lower end - I will accept you. Handing it to a person by the head - I reject you. Holding it in both hands and bending it - I love another. Holding it bottom upward, in front of you - My heart is thine. Holding it both hands across the shoulders- Look at me. And finally, the language of the finger-ring: "In case of a gentleman wishing to marry -literally in the market with his heart - he wears a plain or chased gold ring upon the first finger of the left (or heart) hand. When success attends his suit, and he is actually engaged, the ring passes to the second finger. After marriage it passes to the third finger. If, however, the gent desires to tell the fair ones that he not only is not "in the market," but he does not design to marry at all, he wears the signet upon his little finger, and all ladies may understand that he is out of their reach! With the fair sex the "laws of the rings" are: A plain or chased gold ring on the little finger of the right hand, implies "not engaged," or in plainer words, " ready for proposals, sealed or otherwise." When engaged, the ring passes to the second finger of the right hand. When married, the third finger receives it. Now the fair one proposes to defy all siege of her heart, she places the rings on her firs and forth finger - one on each like two charms to keep away the tempter. It is somewhat singular that this disposition of rings is rare!" When the courting was over, and the parties were married, this advice was offered: The following sections were taken from The Lover's Casket. A Treatise and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship and Marriage. Embracing also a Complete Floral Manual. James Sullivan. Beadle and Co.: NY, 1870 and also published by Ivers & Co.: NY, 1902. Also taken from an old book I have of my grandmother on flowers, cover missing, date unknown. Various web sites. (c) Copyright 6 December 2001, Sandra K. Gorin, All Rights Reserved, sgorin@glasgow-ky.com Col. Sandi Gorin, 205 Clements, Glasgow, KY 42141 (270) 651-9114 Publishing: http://ggpublishing.tripod.com/ SCKY resource links: http://www.public.asu.edu/~moore/Gorin.html < >< God Bless America ><>