Japanese fans are more artistic and symbolic than those that are and were made in other parts of the world. The creation of these fans is considered an art, dating back to about the 9th century. They not only stand out for their beauty but also for their symbolism. Wear the classic Japanese fans with your Planderful jewelry.
What was the first fan?
The origin of fans is not known for sure, but there is a story in Japan about their origin. According to this story, the fan originated at the traditional torch festival. At that festival, giant torches are lit and have to be carried by several people at the same time. So you can imagine the dimensions of each torch and the amount of fire that each one gives off.
In spite of everything, this celebration takes place at night causing the atmosphere to become quite hot. This story is centered in ancient Japan, where Japanese women used to attend with a mask that served the function of keeping the eyes of men away.
As expected, when she could not resist the heat, a young female spectator took it off and began to wave it in front of her face, and what once served to cover her face now served to dissipate the heat from it. Seeing this, they immediately began to imitate her, and since the experience was very pleasant, they soon began to make fans cool themselves by just waving their hands.
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Use of Japanese fans
You have probably noticed the immense importance the Japanese give to fans. It is no exaggeration to say that in Japan everyone carries a fan, and the fan means many things, depending on how it is used.
There is a huge variety of fans. The cheapest and most common models are known to everyone, but there are others that are less well known and very curious. There are even water fans made of bamboo, varnished with lacquer to soak them in water and obtain greater freshness when fanning.
The best known use of fans is to cool off in hot weather by fanning from one side to the other. Some people also use these works of art as decoration or as souvenirs, just as they do with Japanese umbrellas.
Just like other pieces originating from Japan, such as katanas or Japanese armor, fans also serve to decorate a room. But there are also many other uses of Japanese fans that will surprise you.
These are some of the uses of the Japanese fan:
As a weapon
The iron fan was invented in the 11th century for the use of military commanders, and they used it to lead soldiers and as a defense shield. In ancient Japan, the fan was considered a symbol of authority and was also used as a weapon of self-defense.
One of the most important aspects of the samurai beyond their strict code and discipline was their creativity and skill in battle. During the Edo period, they used a fan whose purpose was to cut, strike and block attacks, in other words, to defend themselves when the katana was no longer available.
The fans could be composed of metal and wood rods joined by lacquered paper, in addition to a metallic outer cover. It could also be a solid fan made of metal and wood. Later they were made of leather.
An iron fan, which at first glance could pass unnoticed or be seen as something harmless, but in the hands of experts or its main samurai users, it was a deadly weapon.
As a communication tool
In ancient Japan, the fan was used by samurai on the battlefield in the midst of action when it was very difficult to communicate even by shouting. The samurai would open the fans and communicate with their allies about the battle plans.
So the fans were also very important in the war because they allowed knowing at all times what should be done to win the battle or even plan a forced retreat of the troops. With this strategy, they could plan new strategies and avoid more deaths when the situation did not favor them.
For courtship
On the other hand, the fans not only served to communicate not only in war situations but also in love. Japanese girls used them to give messages to their sweethearts as follows:
- Close slowly: Yes.
- Close fast: No.
- Fanning quickly: I love you intensely.
- Half-open: You can kiss me.
- Open the fan and show it: You can wait for me.
As you can see no one wanted the fan to close quickly in their face, but if you persevered maybe someday the fan would close slower.
As an instrument of good luck
The Japanese consider fans as instruments of good luck, especially those in red or white, as these colors are believed to attract good luck. But if you want to generate wealth, perhaps you should use a golden fan.
When a fan is opened it has the shape of the number "eight" written in Japanese. In Japan, there is a belief that some numbers have a special meaning and attract luck, and it is even considered that there are unlucky numbers.
As for the structure of the fans, they are usually built with rods in numbers, as it is assumed that these are the ones that attract the fortune most.
Social status
In ancient Japan, fans could be used to distinguish the social status of the wearer.
During the Heian period, several rules were established such as the rule of the number of wooden rods used in their manufacture, which varied according to the rank of the person, and the most luxurious were designated for imperial families.
Today Japanese fans have become extremely popular and have crossed borders. Fans are exported all over the world and are made of various materials, bamboo wood fans and paper fans with designs painted on them are the most popular.
Wear the style of Japanese fans with Planderful jewelry. You can find them on our website.
