Etiquette and The Lover's Secretary

                                              

“The significance of the varied wearing and handling of the sombrero” is actually the etiquette and significance of any hat. The word “sombrero” translates to “hat” in English. “Cachucha” is the Spanish word for “cap,” as in “baseball” or “trucker’s cap.” “Gorro” is also a Spanish word for “hat.”

The “Lover’s Secretary”

or

“Mexican Lover” Guide 

There is on sale everywhere, and in universal use, a cheaply printed little pamphlet entitled “El Secretario de los Amantes.” It is the guide and handbook of lovers. It contains the language of flowers, the significance of the varied wearing and handling of the sombrero, the language of fan, the language of fruits, the meanings of the varied use of the handkerchief, emblems in designating the hours of day and night in making appointments, the use of the numerals in cipher writing, several short chapters on the conduct of a love affair, and the deaf mute alphabet for one hand. This literary gem seems to be more studied than any other in the republic. —Napa Weekly, 1888

This 19th century etiquette book from a Mexico is filled with numerous chapters denoting the languages of colors, fruits, flowers, handkerchiefs, hats, etc..., as well as a handy code for sending secret messages to a lover.

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia