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.
Rich or poor, the courting candle was used by fathers from all economic backgrounds. It taught daughters to respect their parents’ judgment. The candle also taught the suitor to defer to the father’s ability to judge a man. Although it may sound like a crazy notion by today’s standards, the courting candle served as an important boundary line in the family and social fabrics.
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4 comments:
Hi Lucy:
Thanks for the lesson! Hope you have a great Sunday. xoxo Donna
Hey Lucy, haven't been here in awhile, but school officially finished for me today so now the summer holiday has begun. Woo hoo! Congrats to your daughters and their nursing professions. Interesting fact about the courting candle. I have one of these hanging on my wall. Hope you are having a great weekend. Happy cake baking and best wishes, Tammy
Hi. Thanks for the lesson! Very informative. I didn't know anything about that. Have a great day! Maria :)
I love the story behind the courting candle. I had one for a long time until someone told me what it was for. I even had it in a garage sale once and it didn't sell. After I learned the meaning behind it, I was glad it didn't sell! Lol!
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