Attached is the "Courting Candle".
The idea is that the male would-be suitor has a finite amount of time based upon the life of the candle - and the mad whims of the family patriarch. You see if the father approved of the young man here can extend the amount of time by rotating the cork in the spiral. The time is set to when the candle flame reaches the metal. If the old man hates you he'll run it all the way down so less candle burn time will be allowed.
Ruh roh...teh ebil paytreearky!
Found this little knockw knack at a shop here in Nauvoo IL on my way to Vermont. Apparently an old Mormon custom back in the day. I personally find it amusing.
What other curious courting rituals exist I wonder?
Sent from my evil cell phone.