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.
Culver prom limo .."Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
Parents are always looking for ways to open up the... Read More
Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret... Read More
I was reading "A Modern Infant Armada", a humor column... Read More
There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
Sometime the most effective training tool in rapidly accelerating the... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
How in the world do you get your child to... Read More
Child Safety Restraints and children in work vehiclesIf you take... Read More
Why do some children still do best after divorce and... Read More
The small, lilac colored hexagonal box, with Winnie the Pooh... Read More
I am writing this from the beautiful mountains of Western... Read More
One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
Just the other day, I was talking to some other... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
I had just completed a session with 17-year old Julie... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
Many parents struggle with solutions to put their child on... Read More
Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
(Isaiah 11:6 KJV) The wolf also shall dwell with the... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
Most parents at some stage are driven to distraction by... Read More
One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know... Read More
The distressed adolescent often has feelings of abandonment, emotional detachment,... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
Bath time can be fun or it can be a... Read More
Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
If you ever walk through an orphanage, it will be... Read More
You have two kids who are 14 months apart. How... Read More
Diapers..Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
Parenting |