The Tooth Fairy is so generous to us, we celebrate her twice! August 22nd and February 28th are both celebrated as Tooth Fairy Day.
We know that the Tooth Fairy leaves children gifts in exchange for a tooth that has fallen out .. but, why?
The Tooth Fairy dates back to early Europe. It was a European tradition to bury baby teeth that fell out. When a child’s sixth tooth fell out, it was a custom for parents to slip a gift or money from the Tooth Fairy under the child’s pillow. They would also leave the tooth as a reward. Some parents would leave trails of glitter on the floor, representing fairy dust.
In northern Europe, there was also a tradition of tann-fé or tooth fee, which was paid when a child lost their first tooth. This tradition is recorded in the Eddas, which contains written traditions dating back to the 13th century.
Losing baby teeth can be a traumatic and scary experience for young children. The promise of a visit and gift from the Tooth Fairy can turn the experience of losing a tooth into something to look forward to!
Shop Tooth Fairy keepsakes from Things Engraved.
What did the tooth fairy leave you as a child?
