Whilst researching for Norwich in 100 Dates I came across a sweet Norfolk tradition born, it would seem, during the nineteenth century - Jack Valentine.
On Valentine’s Eve Jack Valentine was known to travel from doorstep to doorstep, leaving gifts in his wake. In this way lovers would exchange presents, and parents would leave gifts for children. The lucky recipient would hear a rat-tat-tat on the door, and when they opened it the mysterious “Jack” would have disappeared into thin air, leaving behind a surprise.
On a rather more cruel note, Snatch Valentine was also known to make an appearance. If you were visited by this character when you reached for the present it would leap away from you as the hidden perpetrator tugged a piece of string attached to it, snatching your present away.
On Valentine’s Eve Jack Valentine was known to travel from doorstep to doorstep, leaving gifts in his wake. In this way lovers would exchange presents, and parents would leave gifts for children. The lucky recipient would hear a rat-tat-tat on the door, and when they opened it the mysterious “Jack” would have disappeared into thin air, leaving behind a surprise.
On a rather more cruel note, Snatch Valentine was also known to make an appearance. If you were visited by this character when you reached for the present it would leap away from you as the hidden perpetrator tugged a piece of string attached to it, snatching your present away.
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