Ratoncito PĆ©rez - Spanish milk tooth mouse
In Poland, children wait for the Tooth Fairy, but in Spain, when the first deciduous tooth falls out, it is not a fairy but a friendly mouse named Ratoncito PĆ©rez who springs into action.
She is the one who brings gifts in exchange for a tooth hidden under a pillow. The tradition has a long history in Spain, dating back to the 19th century, and is still alive today.
History of Ratoncito PĆ©rez
The character Ratoncito PĆ©rez was created by writer Luis Coloma in 1894. Queen Marie Cristina asked Coloma to write a fairy tale for little King Alfonso XIII, who had lost his first tooth. Coloma created a story about a mouse who lives in a cookie box in Madrid and visits children who lose their teeth, exchanging them for small coins.
Ratoncito PĆ©rez quickly gained popularity in Spain and became an important part of children's culture. The mouse not only brings gifts, but also teaches that growing up and changes, such as the loss of milk teeth, are a natural and joyful part of life.
How does Ratoncito PĆ©rez work?
When a child in Spain loses a tooth, he puts it under his pillow, usually in a special box, and waits for a visit from Ratoncito PĆ©rez. At night, the mouse comes quietly and leaves a coin or small gift in exchange for the tooth. The children happily discover in the morning what the PĆ©rez has left for them, making the moment magical and full of excitement.
For many Spanish children, losing a tooth becomes something they look forward to because they know that a little mouse will visit them at night, bringing a reward.
Ratoncito PĆ©rez Museum in Madrid
Ratoncito PĆ©rez has become so popular that in Madrid you can visit a small museum dedicated to the character. It is located on Arenal Street, where, according to the story, Luis Coloma placed the mouse's house. There, children can learn more about the history of Ratoncito PĆ©rez and see the place where the lovable character lived in the fairy tale.
Symbol of childhood
Ratoncito PĆ©rez is not only a fairy tale hero, but also a symbol of childhood in Spain. Passed down from generation to generation, he continues to play an important role in the lives of Spanish children. While the tradition may seem unusual, especially when compared to the Tooth Fairy in other countries, for Spaniards Ratoncito PĆ©rez is an integral part of culture and children's imagination.
The tradition underscores how diverse customs can be associated with such simple events as the loss of a tooth. In Spain, this moment is not only an excuse to receive a small gift, but also a way to keep the magic of childhood alive.
