What are childhood myths and why do they matter?

Childhood myths are fictional stories or characters that are commonly associated with childhood and are passed down through generations. These myths are often deeply ingrained in cultural traditions and beliefs and are intended to bring joy, wonder, and a sense of magic to children’s lives.

Childhood myths typically involve legendary or supernatural figures that are believed to have certain roles or powers, such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, or characters from fairy tales and folklore.

These myths serve as a way to explain or enhance certain experiences or events that are significant to children, such as gift-giving during holidays, losing baby teeth, or the arrival of the Easter season. Childhood myths often involve rituals or traditions associated with these events, such as leaving out milk and cookies for Santa Claus or placing a lost tooth under the pillow for the Tooth Fairy to collect.

Childhood myths are not meant to be taken as literal truths, but rather as imaginative and symbolic representations that encourage children to embrace wonder, imagination, and the possibility of magic.

These myths contribute to the development of a child’s creativity, social interaction, and emotional growth. They provide a shared cultural experience among children and contribute to a sense of belonging and community.

As children grow older and gain a better understanding of reality, they often come to realise that these myths are not based on factual truths.

And no matter if the realisation that Santa isn’t real is a sudden, harsh one or a gradual one, the memories and emotions associated with childhood myths often remain cherished and hold a nostalgic place in one’s heart, reminding individuals of the innocence and joy of their early years.

Childhood myths have deep historical and cultural roots.

They often originate from ancient traditions, folklore, and religious beliefs.

Santa Claus, for instance, finds his origins in the legendary figure of Saint Nicholas, a generous bishop from the fourth century.

The modern-day image of Santa Claus has been shaped by various influences, including Dutch and German folklore, the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), and the marketing efforts of Coca-Cola in the 20th century.

Coca-Cola relied on the images of Santa Claus that had prevailed for a century.

In the 1910s and 1920s Santa Claus had come into focus as the jolly, bearded, happy soul we would recognise today, but artists still occasionally tweaked the colour of Santa’s robes or the amount of girth they added around the middle.

In 1822, American poet Clement Clarke Moore wrote a poem for his daughters about “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” describing the holiday gift-giver as a “little old driver, so lively and quick” who was small enough to fit down chimneys.

By the 1860s, famous cartoonist Thomas Nast had turned Santa Claus into a fully human-sized character and given him a home at the North Pole.

In the 1930s, Coca-Cola turned to Haddon H. Sundblom, an advertising artist with the D’Arcy Agency, asking him to design a new Santa.

Sundblom redrew Santa Claus as a plump, cheerful man with snow-white hair and dressed him in red and white. Colours that had already become associated with St. Nick, but which also matched Coca-Cola’s signature colours. Sundblom even provided a Mrs. Claus, based on his own wife.

It’s Sundblom’s Santa who today decorates everything from Coke cans to Christmas sweaters, because Coca-Cola wanted to increase its winter sales.

The Tooth Fairy has its origins in different cultures and practices.

The origins of the Tooth Fairy myth can be traced back to various cultural traditions and folklore.

The concept of a tooth deity or sprite associated with children losing their baby teeth has existed in different forms across different cultures throughout history.

In many ancient civilizations, the loss of a child’s first tooth was considered a significant milestone.

One of the earliest recorded instances of a tooth-related tradition can be found in ancient Norse mythology, the Eddas. The Vikings believed that children’s teeth possessed magical properties and that they should be kept to avoid misfortune.

It was customary for parents to bury their children’s lost teeth near their homes, hoping that this would bring good luck and protect the child from harm.

In the tradition of the tand-fé or “tooth fee” was paid when a child lost their first tooth.

In the Norse culture, children’s teeth and other articles belonging to children were said to bring good luck in battle, and Scandinavian warriors hung children’s teeth on a string around their necks (explains some of the creepy in TTG’s Toothfairy? Maybe?)

In Europe during the Middle Ages, there was a widespread belief that witches could gain power over someone if they possessed a piece of that person’s body, such as hair or teeth.

To protect children, parents would burn or bury their lost teeth so that witches couldn’t use them for harmful purposes.

The modern incarnation of the Tooth Fairy, as we know it today, emerged in the early 20th century.

The exact origin of the specific Tooth Fairy character is uncertain and may have evolved from a combination of different cultural influences.

One notable influence is the tradition of the Ratoncito Pérez in Spanish-speaking countries. According to this tradition, a mouse would collect children’s lost milk teeth and leave a small gift or coin in return.

And in 1908 the Chicago Daily Tribune ran a “Household Hints” item about how children reluctant to have their loose teeth taken out, could be persuaded with a little help from the Tooth Fairy (and again we can thank marketing, though not as blatantly sales-driven as Coke’s Santa, for solidifying a childhood myth).

Many a refractory child will allow a loose tooth to be removed if he knows about the Tooth Fairy. If he takes his little tooth and puts it under the pillow when he goes to bed the Tooth Fairy will come in the night and take it away, and in its place will leave some little gift. It is a nice plan for mothers to visit the 5-cent counter and lay in a supply of articles to be used on such occasions.

— Lillian Brown, Tooth Fairy, Chicago Daily Tribune

The Tooth Fairy gained further popularity and recognition through various books, illustrations, and media portrayals in the mid-20th century. These depictions helped solidify the character in popular culture, and the Tooth Fairy became a beloved figure associated with the tooth loss experience for children around the world.

The origin of the Easter Bunny can be traced back to both pagan and Christian traditions.

The rabbit, as a symbol of fertility and new life, has long been associated with springtime and the celebration of Easter.

In pagan cultures, the rabbit or hare was considered a symbol of fertility and renewal due to its rapid reproduction and association with the lunar cycle.

The “Easter Hare” originally played a role of judge among German Lutherans, evaluating whether children had displayed good or disobedient behaviour at the start of Eastertide. As such, the hare was known to carry a basket of coloured eggs, candy and toys to the homes of children.

The rabbit’s association with this festival eventually merged with Christian beliefs surrounding Easter.

In Christian tradition, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Christ.

The timing of Easter coincides with the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. As Christianity spread across Europe, it incorporated various local customs and symbols into its celebrations. The Easter Bunny became intertwined with Easter celebrations as a symbol of fertility, new life, and rebirth.

Childhood myths play a crucial role in shaping children’s experiences and development.

These myths provide a sense of wonder, enchantment, and possibility in early childhood.

Childhood myths often coincide with significant events or milestones in children’s lives, or important seasonal markers.

These myths create a shared cultural experience among children, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

They serve as catalysts for the development of imagination.

Imagination plays a vital role in cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Through imaginative play, children learn problem-solving skills, empathy, creativity, and abstract thinking. Childhood myths provide children with a canvas on which to paint their own imaginative narratives, expanding their horizons and encouraging self-expression.

They inspire children to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek knowledge.

By believing in the extraordinary, children develop a thirst for discovery and a desire to understand the mysteries of life.

While childhood myths are cherished traditions, it’s essential to navigate the delicate balance between nurturing imagination and acknowledging reality.

As children grow older, they naturally begin to question the existence of these myths, and the whole point of a childhood myth is to eventually have it dispelled – but the sense of magic and wonder doesn’t have to be extinguished with it.

So, while childhood myths seem silly as we grown up, preserving them help us preserve the magic and cultivate a generation that embraces wonder, possibility, and never loses sight of the extraordinary.

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