palm-leaf fan; plantain-leaf fan
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
palm-leaf fan; fan made from palm leaves resembling banana leaves
Traditionally used in southern China for cooling. The name derives from its resemblance to banana (plantain) leaves. In Chinese literature and folklore, most famously in *Journey to the West* (西游记), the 'Banana Fan' (芭蕉扇) is the magical weapon of Princess Iron Fan (铁扇公主), capable of extinguishing the flames of the Fiery Mountain.
When there was no air conditioning in the summer, Grandma would always fan me with a palm-leaf fan while telling me stories.
This palm-leaf fan is hand-woven from palm leaves.
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In *Journey to the West*, Sun Wukong borrowed the Banana Fan three times before he could extinguish the flames of the Fiery Mountain.
The old man sat at the doorway enjoying the cool air, fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan.