An illuminated rib for a folding hand fan comprising: a housing; and a lighting assembly, which comprises one or more light sources; wherein the lighting assembly is configured to be substantially encased within the housing; wherein when the lighting assembly is turned on a light from the one or more light sources is visible through the housing; and wherein the illuminated rib for the folding hand fan is configured to be operatively connected to one or more additional ribs and a leaf of the folding hand fan.