How Well Do You Know About National Tooth Fairy Day? Quiz

National Tooth Fairy Day is a special day that is observed on February 28th. This day is dedicated to recognizing the folklore of the Tooth Fairy, a beloved figure in Western and Western-influenced cultures. The Tooth Fairy is said to visit children when they lose their baby teeth, adding a touch of magic to a milestone in a child’s life.

The folklore of the Tooth Fairy is quite charming. It states that when children lose one of their baby teeth, they should place it underneath their pillow or on their bedside table. While they sleep, the Tooth Fairy will visit, replacing the lost tooth with a small payment. This tradition turns the experience of losing a tooth, which can be scary for some children, into an exciting and rewarding event.

The tradition of giving a child a gift or payment when they lose their first tooth is not new. In Northern Europe, there was a tradition of tand-fé or tooth fee, which was paid when a child lost their first tooth. This tradition underscores the universal human tendency to celebrate and mark the milestones in a child’s life.

Starting in 2011, the Royal Canadian Mint began selling special sets for newborn babies, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, “Oh Canada”, and the Tooth Fairy. These sets are a testament to the enduring popularity of the Tooth Fairy and the desire to commemorate and celebrate these special occasions.

A 2013 survey by Visa Inc. found that American children receive $3.70 per tooth on average. This statistic provides a snapshot of the going rate for a lost tooth in the United States, reflecting the economic aspects of this cultural tradition.

According to the same survey, only 3% of children find a dollar or less under their pillow. This suggests that most children receive more than a dollar from the Tooth Fairy, highlighting the generosity of this mythical figure.

In the Norse culture, children’s teeth and other articles belonging to children were said to bring good luck in battle. This belief reflects the ancient cultures’ practice of attributing magical properties to everyday objects and events.

During the Middle Ages in England, children were instructed to burn their baby teeth. It was believed that by doing so, the child would be saved from hardship in the afterlife. This practice shows how beliefs about the afterlife can influence everyday practices and rituals.

In 2020, the Royal Australian Mint began issuing “Tooth Fairy kits” that included commemorative $2 coins. These kits provide a tangible way for children to celebrate the loss of their baby teeth and the visit from the Tooth Fairy.

According to the same survey, 8% of children find a five-dollar bill or more under their pillow. This indicates that for some children, the Tooth Fairy is particularly generous, turning the loss of a tooth into a lucrative event.