Does anybody know if this is the truth in the Japanese culture?

Question

Here in America, parents tell their children if they leave their lost tooth underneath their pillow that the tooth faerie will come, visit and leave them money in the exchange for their lost tooth under their pillow. Growing up, my mother told me that if I throw the tooth that came out from the bottom and throw it to the top of the roof of the house that is supposedly lucky verses the tooth that came out from the top and if I throw it onto the ground somewhere that is also lucky. Has any other Japanese person come across this rubbish tale?

Answer 1

Yes, very common

Our Japanese tutor, Yukako, then told us that in Japan the tradition is to throw a bottom tooth on the roof and to throw a tooth that was a top tooth under the space under the house.

http://www.crockerfarm.org/ac/rm02/writing01/teeth.html

Answer 2

I think this is also common in other asian countries. I forget which, sorry. But I have taught many asians and I know that different countries use this tale.

http://rdh.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?ARTICLE_ID=257637&p=56:
"In India, the tooth is thrown on the roof in hopes that a sparrow will bring a new one. In parts of Africa, many children throw an upper tooth on the roof and bury a lower one in the ground. Some families believe that if a lizard sees the tooth, a new one will not grow in its place. Sri Lankan children throw the tooth on the roof and hope a squirrel will come and get it. In East Asia, children throw a lower tooth on the roof and an upper one is buried, thrown down on the ground, or hidden under the bed. The thought is that the new tooth will grow toward the old one and come in straight. A wish is often made as the child throws the tooth."

Answer 3

Lisa Hana,
I've heard that before.
Whether it is rubbish or
not is a mute point. Most
importantly here, is that
it is something your Mother
lovingly passed on to you
as a child, and perhaps
something you should
continue with your children.
Those are the most rewarding
memories as time goes by.
So throw them up the roof,
throw them down the ground,
but keep it a family thing
for generations to come!

Answer 4

That story really started in Europe and it really goes way back.
Also what every country that the europeans ever landed on. that one fairy tale always remained. That is all it will ever be. A fairy tale, that story is not a myth or even a legend its just a tale that started a very long time ago and was celebrated once a year.

Answer 5

in indonesia, we where told about that too. but it's just a story, we dont really do it.
in japan... i dont know :p