Raton Perez

Ratoncito Pérez
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Statue of the Ratoncito Pérez.
The Ratoncito Pérez or Ratón Pérez (Pérez Mouse in English) is a figure popular in Spanish and Hispanic American cultures, similar to the tooth fairy, originating in Madrid in 1894. As is traditional in some English-speaking countries, when a child loses a tooth it is customary for him or her to place it under the pillow, so that Ratoncito Pérez will exchange it for a gift. The tradition is almost universal in Spanish cultures, but takes different forms in different areas. He is known as "Ratoncito Pérez" in Spanish speaking countries, with the exception of some regions of Mexico, Peru and Chile, where he is called "el Ratón de los Dientes" (The Tooth Mouse), and in Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay and Colombia, he is known simply as "El Ratón Pérez".
The Ratoncito Pérez has been used in by Colgate marketing in Venezuela, stars in the 2006 Argentine movie El Ratón Pérez, and appeared in the tale of the Vain Little Mouse.

OK I don't know about you but the thought of going to sleep at night only to await a RAT to sneak under my pillow and take my tooth away is only a little creepy. But I am very happy Bethany has readily embraced this new culture. She is awaiting losing her second tooth and Raton Perez brought her a little gift of money after the first tooth. Apparently there are songs about him and even a movie.

Isn't it funny how small our world view can be even on the tooth fairy when we haven't lived anywhere but in one place all our lives? Of course he or she would be different in different countries no one could expect a tooth fairy to get all over the planet with out any help.