Most of us here in the US grew up with the myth of the tooth fairy taught to us. Every time we lost a baby tooth, we’d leave it under the pillow before bed and wake up to find the tooth gone and a few coins in its place (although adjusted for changing times, the average amount a child receives these days is $3.70). Other countries, however, have different traditions, some of which are similar to the tooth fairy concept while others are vastly different. Here’s a look at tooth traditions from around the world.

Spain

In Spain and other Hispanic cultures, including Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Colombia, the myth centers on a character called Raton Perez (aka El Raton de Los Dientes). He is a mouse who collects teeth, and like the tooth fairy, Perez collects baby teeth from beneath children’s pillows. In return, Perez leaves gifts (although it’s not always money). Sometimes in Argentina, the kids leave the baby tooth in a glass of water. When Perez arrives, he drinks the water, takes the tooth and leaves the gift in the glass for the child. Want to learn more? Visit the Ratoncito Pérez Museum in Madrid.

France

In France, the tooth fairy myth is a mix of two traditions. Like Spain, the character is a mouse named La Bonne Petite Souris (The Good Little Mouse) who also procures baby teeth from beneath children’s pillows and replaces them with either cash or sweets. The tale was originally published by Marie-Catherine Baronne d’Aulnoy. In the story, she’s actually a fairy who turns herself into a mouse to help the people get rid of an evil king.

Asia and India

In some Eastern countries, children don’t put their baby teeth under pillows. Instead, they throw them around outside. The tradition goes that if a tooth is lost from the lower jaw, children will throw them on the roof while upper teeth get thrown on the floor or even beneath it. The idea is that the new tooth will grow towards the old one. Sometimes, the act is accompanied by yelling out a wish that the new tooth will grow strong.