Most children and parents are familiar with the beloved tale of the Tooth Fairy – a tiny magical figure who collects baby teeth placed under children’s pillows in exchange for money. This charming tradition has found its way into households worldwide, yet its origins are often overlooked. Interestingly, the Tooth Fairy as we know her is mostly a Western custom. Around the globe, various cultures celebrate their own unique tooth traditions.
Book OnlineHistorians trace tooth-related rituals back to some of the earliest human records. In 1960, B. R. Townend documented several of these ancient customs:
- Throwing the tooth into the sun
- Throwing the tooth into fire
- Throwing the tooth between the child’s legs
- Tossing the tooth onto or over the roof, often while calling upon an animal or spirit
- Placing the tooth in a mouse hole near the hearth or offering it to an animal
- Burying the tooth underground
- Hiding the tooth where animals cannot reach it
- Placing the tooth in a tree or on a wall
- Swallowing the tooth by the mother, child, or an animal
These rituals often involved offering baby teeth to strong-toothed animals such as rodents, believed to help children grow strong, healthy teeth. This practice was widespread across Europe, Russia, New Zealand, and Mexico before the 1900s, leading to traditions centered around a tooth-collecting mouse rather than a fairy. In Spain, this character is known as Ratóncito Pérez, while in France, she is La Petite Souris. Madrid even boasts a museum dedicated to Ratóncito Pérez (visit here).
So, if the Tooth Fairy originated from a tooth mouse, where did the fairy idea come from? The European concept of a “good fairy” emerged in the early 1900s, popularized through children’s books and plays. Esther Watkins Arnold’s 1927 play marked the Tooth Fairy’s first appearance, blending the fairy theme with the older mouse tradition. The fairy image proved more appealing and friendly, especially to young children.
But how did money become part of this tradition? Many experts suggest that losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth is one of life’s early milestones toward adulthood. Monetary rewards symbolize the new responsibilities and privileges of growing up. Cindy Dell Clark, in her book “Flights of Fancy, Leaps of Faith,” notes that this money exchange is largely an American addition to the tradition.
The Tooth Fairy’s traditions extend beyond Europe and North America. In many Asian cultures, children throw their lost teeth in a specific direction depending on whether the tooth came from the upper or lower jaw—like throwing a lower jaw tooth onto the roof. Children often wish for rodent-like teeth to grow strong. In Central Asia, children place their teeth in animal fat and feed it to dogs or bury them under trees to gain strong teeth and roots. In the Middle East and Northern Africa, teeth are thrown skyward—a practice dating back to the 13th century. South African children follow the American custom but place their teeth inside slippers instead of under pillows.
Much of the research into Tooth Fairy traditions has been credited to Rosemary Wells from Northwestern University Dental School, who served as the Tooth Fairy consultant and uncovered many of these fascinating global customs.
Sources:
Salon: The Real History of the Tooth Fairy
Mental Floss: 7 Tooth Fairy Traditions Around the World