Described as "the only surviving Norfolk ritual" is Father Valentine, otherwise known as....
Who's Father Valentine?
The enigmatic Father Valentine knocks on doors on the night of February 14th, leaves small, quirky gifts, and disappears into thin air before anyone can glimpse him.
Whoever answers the door MUST shout; "Thank you, Father Valentine!" and not attempt to pursue him (for who knows what you might find...?), but eagerly collect the gifts and distribute. The knocking and gift-giving can be repeated over the course of the evening, and involve mutliple households. Children are natural recipients, but adults are not forgotten.
There is sometimes a crueller version of Father Valentine referred to; "Snatch Valentine", who leaves a piece of string attached to his gifts, to whisk them from the grasp of a crestfallen child, leaves broom-handles balanced to fall in when the door is opened, or even ties door handles together to prevent opening.
Many people report that having Father Valentine visit lit up the dark final days of winter, and to a significant number, it was an event "more anticipated and enjoyed than Christmas!"
Jack Valentine... Old Father Valentine... Old Mother Valentine
Forget hearts and flowers
Forget historical records?
(almost-) Death and Rebirth
Father Valentine is gratifyingly far removed from any romantic notions of Valentine’s day, although links can be seen in the “anonymous” nature of the gifts.
Playing ‘Father Valentine’ is a rampantly joyous experience- bringing first confusion, and then joy, to children, neighbours, and friends.
Recipients reguarly report being very touched- in these days of galloping commercialism, receiving small, thoughful, funny or ridiculous gifts can bring a thrill of genuine, innocent pleasure.
As befits the idiom, there is no recorded evidence for the origins- or ongoing mischief- of Father Valentine.
Historically he lurked around the East Anglian regions of the UK; mainly Norfolk, and boldly venturing into the edges of Suffolk.
Whilst embodying the anonymity of other Valentine's practices, the mischievous nature of the gift-giving, especially in the more tricksy practices of "Snatch Valentine", has resonances with certain Hallowe'en and "Mischief night" tradtions.
Whilst sharing some elements wth other customs, Father Valentine stands proudly and idiosyncratically alone. He appears to have been handed down through individual families, so with people these days more likely to migrate away from their roots, risked total extinction in the 21st Century. Father Valentine visited my family every year throughout my childhood, yet I cannot remember one other child at my school ever mentioning him.
However, the spirit of Father Valentine continues to resonate with people, and inspire a new generation of recruits- even [gasp] outside Norfolk. A cheery band of enthusiasts are heading the Father Valentine resurgence- some reawakening their childhood memories to play on their own children, but many over the last few years have been introduced to Father Valentine for the first time, and introduce him to others in turn each year, even posting gifts to play "Father Valentine" right across the country.
Please read on to the next pages, for memories and reminiscences showing how much Father Valentine still means to a lot of people, and how, by being a "Friend of Father Valentine", you are helping to keep the tradition alive.
