The Legend and Charm of The Tooth Fairy

The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a delightful part of
our modern family culture. Kids dream about receiving a
special gift or money from this charming, magical fairy.
Adults fondly remember the Tooth Fairy as a wonderful
childhood fantasy of their youth, and they pass on the
mystery and charm to their own young children.

In most households, the Tooth Fairy operates under cover of
darkness, coming to visit after a child loses what are
commonly called baby teeth. Parents help perpetuate the
fantasy by showing their children how to place the lost tooth
under their sleeping pillow or in a special holder or pillow
made just for the Tooth Fairy. Then, the Tooth Fairy herself
visits during the middle of the night, exchanging the tooth for
a gift or monetary reward.

The Tooth Fairy is a lovely fantasy, but how exactly did she
originate?

FAIRIES, FAIRIES EVERYWHERE

The beginnings of the Tooth Fairy probably began many
centuries ago in a culture that encouraged folklore, legend,
literature and the arts. Historians believe that this would
have been a culture where the concept and myth of fairies
was widely accepted -- possibly in Ireland or England.

We do know that the word fairy is derived from the French
spelling of faery. In a general sense, the mythical fairy dates
back to medieval days and was quite widespread,
especially among the Celtic peoples. References about
magical fairies -- both good and evil -- can be found in
numerous paintings and literature that predates Christianity.

Centuries later, the concept of the fairy became popular
during Shakespeare’s day, as he and other writers of that
time period gave them prominent roles in their plays,
poems and other writings.

A MAGICAL MYTH BEGINS TO EVOLVE

So how did the Tooth Fairy as we know it today begin to take
root? There are several theories.

Among the Nordic people, it is widely believed that the
Vikings had a “tooth fee,” that was paid to children when
they lost a tooth. Once paid for, these teeth were probably
strung together to make a necklace or some other type of
adornment that the Viking warriors wore into battle.

In Medieval Europe, it was common to bury a child’s tooth in
the ground, usually in a garden or a field close to home.
Supposedly, the tooth was buried so that a new one would
be free to grow in its place, and it discouraged the evil
witches from finding the tooth and putting a curse on the
child.

When Europeans and others began migrating to the New
World in great numbers during the 17th century, they
brought their superstitious beliefs with them. But as towns
and cities took shape, people found that they sometimes
didn’t have a place to bury the teeth. Instead, the lost tooth
was often placed in a small planter, perhaps on a window
sill or just outside a door.

No one really knows what prompted parents to begin putting
the tooth under a child’s pillow or when the practice of
leaving a gift became widespread. However, it probably
began to be part of our American folklore sometime during
the late 19th century.

YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, THE TOOTH FAIRY HAS ANSWERS

While everyone seems to know about the Tooth Fairy, not
everyone celebrates in exactly the same manner. And,
parents often have questions. Following are some
common questions concerning this fantasy fairy who visits
in the night and leaves presents and money.

Why did a fairy become associated with losing a baby tooth?
Many old cultures marked the loss of a child’s baby or milk
teeth. Some ancient cultures placed the lost tooth in a tree
or threw it to the sun. Other rituals involved having an adult
swallow the tooth or burn it.

Why is the Tooth Fairy so popular?

The Tooth Fairy is a whimsical concept that helps both
parent and child mark the transition from infancy to
childhood. It’s a rite of passage that is not attached to any
religion or holiday, which accounts for its widespread
celebration.

When does the Tooth Fairy come to visit?

Although it varies, children generally lose their first baby
tooth between the ages of 5 and 7 years.

Why is the Tooth Fairy traditionally female?

As a popular culture figure of relatively modern times, the
Tooth Fairy is usually depicted as a woman. However,
some companies are now offering Tooth Fairy “Prince” style
gifts for the boys to enjoy.

What does the Tooth Fairy exchange for the child’s tooth?

A generation ago, the Tooth Fairy brought only a modest gift,
perhaps a dime or a quarter. In very recent years, that
amount has increased dramatically and children now
receive Tooth Fairy gifts ranging from a dollar to five dollars
to much more. Sometimes the monetary amount is
considerably higher for the first tooth lost. Instead of cash,
some parents opt for a gift. But money remains the most
popular choice.

Is the Tooth Fairy celebrated around the world?

Throughout English-speaking and many European
countries, the Tooth Fairy tradition is widely known and
practiced. Although in many cultures, the first lost tooth is
the only one recognized by the Tooth Fairy.

THE END OF A MAGICAL CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE

Alas, a child’s belief in the Tooth Fairy is all too fleeting. By
the age of nine or ten, most children have stopped believing
in the Tooth Fairy. Many kids, however, continue to play
along with their parents because they enjoy the tradition and
they like collecting the money! The last baby teeth are
usually gone by age 12, and the Tooth Fairy ceases her
visits.

What happens to all the teeth collected over the years by the
Tooth Fairy?

Some parents tell their children that the teeth become the
countless shimmering stars in the sky. Others say that the
Tooth Fairy is building a fabulous castle for herself using all
of the “donated” teeth. Today, there are numerous books
available about the Tooth Fairy that offer their own version of
what happens to the countless lost teeth.

In the end, the magic of the Tooth Fairy is perpetuated by
parents who make up their own stories and create their own
rituals. This only adds to the magical charm that we call the
Tooth Fairy.

Nancy Wurtzel is the founder and owner of All About Baby, an ecommerce site located at http://www.allbaby.com. All About Baby specializes in personalized and memorable gifts for children as well as interesting and helpful child-related site content. Ms. Wurtzel has over 20 years of marketing and communications experience. She consults with small businesses seeking to enter the marketplace or grow their existing ecommerce business.

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