As a child, it meant getting a few extra cents, maybe even a dollar if you were lucky. Waiting for the Tooth Fairy to visit was reason to look forward to losing your baby teeth, which for some is an otherwise uncomfortable process.
The Tooth Fairy has its roots in the Middle Ages, when superstitions were taken much more seriously. Back then, hiding a tooth under your pillow wasn’t enough. Instead, burying the tooth or even burning it was customary. Incinerating incisors wasn’t done for coin, either, but rather to avoid an eternity of searching for teeth in the afterlife & keeping them out of a witch’s hands.
About Face
This tradition continued on, though its evolution is a bit hazy, but at some point, the tooth fairy became a more positive incentive for children who might otherwise fear the blood & discomfort of losing their teeth.
One of the first popular instances of the modern Tooth Fairy came from the Chicago Tribune, where parents are advised “to visit the 5-cent counter & lay in a supply of articles to be used on such occasions,” as losing a tooth.
Parental Philosophy
The transformation of the Tooth Fairy from a superstition-driven practice to a whimsical figure of childhood delight is a fascinating journey. As societal beliefs shifted, so did the narrative surrounding lost teeth. No longer a source of anxiety about the afterlife or potential witchcraft, these moments became opportunities for small celebrations. Parents began weaving tales of a benevolent fairy who collected teeth & left behind a small token of appreciation.
This shift also reflects changing perspectives on child-rearing. Instead of focusing on fear & avoidance, the Tooth Fairy became a tool for positive reinforcement. It turned a potentially scary experience into an exciting event, making children look forward to losing their teeth. This gentle approach helped ease anxieties & create fond memories, further cementing the Tooth Fairy’s place in popular culture.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_fairy