They are used in cultures all over the world as protective talismans. Teeth, because of their apparent indestructibility compared to other body parts, have historically been seen as a form of magical protection against evil. There are also parallels to these stories in non-European cultures. Stories about human children being snatched from their cradles by trolls or fairies and replaced by a shape-shifting troll or fairy baby are common in folklore. The rituals associated with the tooth fairy in the United States also bear an eerie resemblance to rituals used to protect children from supernatural kidnappers such as trolls and fairies. Were Tooth Fairy rituals originally to protect children from harm? Marantega makes for an interesting parallel to the tooth fairy legend, though it is unlikely that Marantega represents a direct precursor. Interestingly, Marantega not only gives children gifts at Christmas, but also when they lose a tooth. Marantega is a Venetian version of the generally Italian Befana, a benevolent old crone who gives children gifts at Christmas like Santa Claus in the U.S. ( DeviantArt)Ī benevolent example is Marantega in Venice, Italy.
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