The Tooth Fairy Around the World
We have all waited for those extra cents the tooth fairy promised each night we lost a tooth. We, meaning English-speaking countries (mostly the United States.) So what do children in other countries believe in?
- Afghanistan: Teeth are thrown in a mouse or rat hole in order for the rodent to provide them strong tooth like the ones they had before.
- Argentina: Children believe in El Ratoncito, the little mouth. The tooth is placed in a glass of water in hope that El Ratoncito will drink the water, take the tooth, and leave some coins or candy behind.
- Brazil: Some children throw their tooth outside and ask the birds to take them. Other children throw them onto the roof and ask Saint John to take it in exchange for a healthy new tooth.
- China: The upper set of teeth are placed at the foot of the bed and the lower ones are thrown onto their roof.
- Egypt: Egyptian children will wrap their tooth in a tissue and proceed to throw it at the sun in order to have a bright smile.
- France: French kids will also place the tooth under their pillow. The only difference is that a little rat, le petite souris, will take it and leave a gift.
- Korea: Korean children throw their lost tooth at their roof and sing “Blackbird, blackbird, my old tooth I give you. Bring me a new tooth.”
- Nepal: Children bury their teeth to protect their teeth from being found by birds. It is believed that if a bird finds it, the new one won’t grow in.
- Philippines: Lost teeth are hidden and a wish is made. If the child is able to find the hidden tooth after a year, he/she can make another wish.
- Turkey: Parents in Turkey believe that wherever they bury their child’s tooth, that is what their future will entail. If the tooth is buried in a soccer field, it is believed the child will grow up to be a soccer player.
Different cultures and history make up different narratives that many children believe. Do you know of any other unique lost tooth traditions?