By moving the weight vertically, you add to the pendulum`s energy, and along with that you increase the amplitude of the motion (maximum displacement).
Huge thuribles in churches are made to move this way. The biggest thurible in the world that is functioning in this way is the one in Waghausel, Germany – its diameter is 1,4 meters.
The world`s most famous pendulum is Foucault`s pendulum, a famous book was written about it (Umberto Eco). The pendulum proves the rotation of the Earth to those who still doubt it.
