At the AbanoRitz, among SPA & Thermae, it’s not unusual to see Guests—young and old alike—who, despite the air conditioning, still rely on the timeless gesture of the fan. A small flick of the wrist that tells much more than it seems. Once an ally of the feminine world, it was also appreciated by the most dandy of gentlemen.
With the heatwaves sweeping across Europe and the world this summer—and with fashion accessories becoming ever more sought after by style enthusiasts—it’s inevitable to think of an object that, over the centuries, has helped humanity endure the heat: the fan.
The history of the fan has roots in ancient civilizations. As early as 3000 B.C., in ancient Egypt and China, rigid fans made of feathers, palm leaves, or woven materials were already in use. In East Asia in particular, the folding fan—the one we know today—became a symbol of nobility and refinement, used both in religious rites and in theatre.
During the Renaissance, the fan arrived in Europe, brought through trade with the Orient. In no time, it evolved from a functional item into a true fashion accessory, beloved in European courts. In France and Italy, the fan became a silent language, an elegant secret code: a rapid flutter to show impatience, a sudden snap to conceal a smile, or a play of glances hidden behind the decorated sticks.
Far more than a simple cooling tool, the fan has also been a symbol of power and art. Made of silk, ivory, mother-of-pearl, or fine wood, many fans were true handcrafted masterpieces, painted by hand and given as tokens of love—or as signs of political alliances, rather than romantic ones.
Today, in the age of technology and artificial cooling, the fan is returning to the hands of those seeking a fresher, more personal touch. It is light, portable, elegant. But above all, it is a gesture: the choice to slow down, to care for oneself, to embrace beauty even in the details—a uniquely feminine flourish for facing the heat, and above all, the humidity.
And this is exactly the atmosphere one breathes every day at the AbanoRitz, where tradition and well-being meet: whether in the park or by the pool, in the mirror hall or in the lobby, the fan continues to tell a story of grace and charm.
