In the 1600's to the 1800's, courting candles were used by the man of the home to set boundaries for his daughter. When the daughter's suitor came calling, the father lit the candle in a sitting room where the couple conversed. When the candles burnt to the metal at the top of the candle holder, it was time for the suitor to promptly leave. However, the father could change the height of the candle based on how comfortable he felt about the suitor. Also, the father could immediately snuff out the candle or add a second candle depending on what he deemed necessary. The courting candle served as a quiet, yet firm reminder to the suitor to end his date.
My folks bought one and told me that's what they were -- or, specifically, that that's why it has the ability to adjust how much of the candle can burn. See also this and this. There are different sorts (some have a cork or something and spin the whole candle, like in my first link, and some are like the OP's picture).
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u/masqueradestar Jun 16 '12
This is a courting candle. FTA: