Tooth Fairy Origin

The Origins of the Tooth Fairy The Tooth Fairy is a beloved tradition that brings magic to the milestone of losing a baby tooth. But where did this whimsical figure come from? The answer lies in a mix of history, folklore, and cultural traditions. Long before the modern Tooth Fairy, many cultures held rituals around children’s lost teeth. In Norse tradition, for example, children’s teeth were considered lucky. Warriors would wear them as charms for protection in battle. In other parts of Europe, parents buried baby teeth to protect children from witches or bad luck. In medieval times, people often burned children’s teeth. They believed that if a witch found the tooth, she could gain power over the child. These rituals may seem unusual today, but they all highlight how important children’s teeth were viewed throughout history. The modern Tooth Fairy as we know her—a tiny, winged character who exchanges a tooth for a coin under the pillow—emerged in the United States in the early 1900s. Influenced by European folklore, American parents began using the Tooth Fairy as a fun way to ease children’s fears about losing teeth. By the mid-20th century, she became a popular household tradition, often compared to Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. Today, the Tooth Fairy continues to bring joy (and a little money) to children around the world. While the customs have changed over time, the excitement of waking up to a magical visit remains the same—a sweet celebration of growing up.