Saednews: Without a doubt, the tradition of losing teeth varies in different countries, and each country has its own beliefs, customs, and rituals during this time. In fact, some people around the world even celebrate this day. If you would like to learn more about some of these celebrations and customs, feel free to continue reading with us.
Saednews: According to the analytical news agency Saednews, without a doubt, the tradition of losing teeth varies in different countries, and each country has its own beliefs, customs, and rituals during this period. In fact, some people around the world even celebrate this day. If you'd like to learn about some of these celebrations and customs, feel free to continue reading with us.
All children around the world, without exception, have 20 milk teeth, which begin to fall out between the ages of 5 and 6 to make room for their permanent teeth. Many stories and beliefs from ancient times are associated with this period, one of the most famous being the story of the Tooth Fairy.
In fact, the origin and root of all the beliefs and stories related to milk teeth is that people in ancient times believed that witches needed parts of the body, such as fallen teeth, clipped nails, and hair, for magic and sorcery.
For this reason, properly disposing of these body parts was considered very important and serious. Naturally, the methods of disposal vary across different countries and cultures. For example, some countries throw the teeth towards the sun or onto the roof, while others throw them in front of animals such as mice, dogs, and pigs. Some bury them in the ground or burn them. Many countries follow this tradition for the first tooth, while others do so for the sixth tooth.
If you'd like to learn more about the tradition of losing teeth in different countries, continue reading with us.
How is the tradition of losing teeth observed in different countries?
The tradition of losing teeth among the people of ancient Ethiopia: One of the strangest and actually most dangerous traditions of losing teeth in different countries comes from this country. After a child’s tooth falls out, they throw it toward a hyena so that the child’s teeth may become stronger.
The tradition of losing teeth among the people of Afghanistan: In this country, the custom is for children to throw their teeth into a mouse hole, asking the mouse to give them stronger and better teeth in return.
The tradition of losing teeth among the people of Nigeria: In this country, the custom is that if the child is a boy, he must clutch the tooth with eight stones in his hand, and if the child is a girl, six stones are used. Then, the child closes their eyes, says their name quietly, counts the stones, and asks for their teeth to return. Finally, they throw what they hold in their hand into the sky and quickly run in the opposite direction.
The tradition of losing teeth among Native American tribes: Some people in these tribes believe in burying the tooth in specific places and covering it with plants and branches. Others blacken the fallen teeth with charcoal and throw them toward the West, asking the child's grandmother to help the child grow stronger. The tradition of losing teeth varies significantly among different tribes.
The tradition of losing teeth among the people of Sri Lanka: In this country, the tradition is for children to stand outside the house with their eyes closed and say: "Squirrel, squirrel, take these teeth and give me new ones." Then, they throw the tooth onto the roof and open their eyes.
The tradition of losing teeth among the people of Argentina: In this country, children place their teeth in a glass of water. On a night called "El Ratoncito," a little mouse takes the tooth and leaves a coin and a sweet treat in the glass in its place.
