Introduction
Losing a baby tooth is a big moment in every child’s life. But did you know that the way this event is celebrated differs all over the world? While the Tooth Fairy is popular in the West, many cultures have their own unique customs- involving mice, birds, the sun, and even chickens. Let’s travel across the globe and explore these charming traditions, including our beloved customs from Macedonia and the Balkans.
?? Macedonia: Throwing the tooth on the roof
In Macedonia, when a child loses a tooth, they traditionally throw it onto the roof while reciting a rhyme. They often ask a bird (a crow or sparrow) to bring them a new, stronger tooth. This symbolic act is rooted in folklore and hope for healthy teeth.
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The Balkans: A shared custom
Similar traditions are found in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania. Greece, Bulgaria. Children toss their teeth onto the roof and ask for a prettier or stronger new one. In Albania, children say: “Mouse, mouse, take this tooth and bring me a new one!”- calling on a magical mouse to take over the Tooth Fairy’s role.
?? ?? USA & United Kingdom: The classic tooth fairy
In many English-speaking countries, children place the lost tooth under their pillow at night. While they sleep, the Tooth Fairy comes, takes the tooth, and leaves a small gift or money. This tradition became widespread in the 20th century and is still loved today.
?? ?? ?? ?? Spain & Latin America: El Ratón Pérez
In Spain and much of Latin America, a little mouse named El Ratón Pérez collects children’s teeth. He quietly enters the room, takes the tooth, and leaves a coin or gift. There’s even a museum dedicated to him in Madrid!
?? France: La Petite Souris (The little mouse)
French children also have a tooth-collecting mouse, known as La Petite Souris. She quietly comes during the night and replaces the tooth with a small present.
?? ?? Japan and China: Throwing teeth up or down
In Japan, lower teeth are thrown onto the roof and upper teeth are thrown under the house. This is believed to help the new tooth grow in straight, in the opposite direction of the old one.
?? South Korea: A wish to the lucky magpie
Korean children throw their baby teeth onto the roof and ask a magpie (which is considered a bringer of good luck) to bring them a strong new tooth.
?? Vietnam: Rhymes and wishes
In Vietnam, children recite a rhyme while throwing their teeth. Upper teeth go under the house, lower teeth go on the roof — a symbolic wish for strong, well-aligned new teeth.
?? Turkey: Burying the tooth for the future
In Turkey, the tooth is often buried in a meaningful place. Parents may bury it near a school, hospital, or mosque- depending on the future they wish for their child.
?? Egypt: A gift to the sun
Egyptian children throw their teeth toward the sun and ask for a new, stronger one. This ancient tradition is rooted in honoring the sun as a source of life.
?? Nigeria: Chickens and teeth
In parts of Nigeria, children bury their teeth near chicken coops. It’s believed that chickens will help the new tooth grow strong- a beautiful blend of culture and environment.
?? Italy: Mice and magic
Italian children may believe in either the Tooth Fairy or Topolino– a magical mouse who takes the tooth from under the pillow and leaves a surprise.
Conclusion
Whether it’s tossed on a roof, buried by chickens, or swapped for a gift by a fairy or mouse- every culture has its own beautiful way of turning a small moment into big magic. These customs don’t just celebrate growing up; they create lasting childhood memories.
At PZU Dr. Donevski, we love your tooth stories! No matter the tradition, we’re here to make sure those new teeth grow healthy and strong.
