Ancient Origins
The history of fans goes way back thousands of years as it was an inoffensive yet efficacious means of making the air. The earliest known use of fans goes back to about 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, where they utilized palm fronds and feathers. The fans were applied both in ceremonies and practically to cool royalty or other religious applications in some rituals.
Development in Asia
Started in 4th century AD, Asia, China. From the materials silk and bamboo came pretty practical folding fans which sometimes indicated status or aesthetic preference, yet later were used in dances and even sending messages on meaningful occasions.
Folding fans spread to Japan in the 16th century and further developed. The term in Japan is called "uchiwa." In traditional dress and ceremonies, this was one of the basic items because it symbolizes elegance and poise.
Acceptance in Europe
The fan has historical accounts tracing itself back to late times in the Middle Ages through trade routes and cross-cultural exchange. Fans became fashionable for the European nobility by the 16th century and were widely ornamented and made from luxurious materials, hence used in different contexts that include courtship and art whereby fans…
