| The Tooth Fairy | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Real Name |
(Sometimes given as) Flossie |
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First Appearance |
Unknown |
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Created by |
Unknown |
Origin
The Tooth Fairy originated from early Europe, wherein if the child's sixth tooth fell out, he or she would be rewarded with a certain gift. However, some parents decided to leave glitter to represent a magical "Tooth Fairy" rewarding them.
Other versions such as Northern Europe are similar, but are gifted even when the first tooth comes out.
Powers and Abilities
Although most versions of her (or him) have not been shown to have powers, it is generally accepted that he/she has an extraordinary expertise for stealth or invisibility. He/she also possesses flight via wings on his/her back.
Public Domain Appearances
- “Tooth Fairy” (letter), by Lillian Brown, Practical Housekeeper’s Own Page, The Chicago Daily Tribune, vol. 67, no. 39, 27 Sept. 1908. In what may be the character’s first mention in print, a letter in the Household Hints section recommends telling children about the Tooth Fairy to coax them into allowing a loose tooth to be pulled rather than waiting for it to fall out on its own. (Newspapers.com) (Chicago Tribune)
- Anything released prior to 1923 (and many more after that as well). In essence, stick to him/her being a fairy that visits children when their teeth fall out and you'll be fine!
Notes
- A 2011 study found that American children receive $2.60 per tooth on average.
- A 1984 study conducted revealed that most, 74 percent of those surveyed, believed the tooth fairy to be female, while 12 percent believed the tooth fairy to be neither male nor female and 8 percent believed the tooth fairy could be either male or female.