The pretty girl with a halo of daisies around her forehead grabs her basket full of red poppies, looks up at him and responds, "On this exquisite festival of renewal, rebirth, and new life, the spirit of good resides in the hearts and minds of true devoted Persians".
"What is best about Norouz?" asks the bluebird.
The girl scratches her head thoughtfully and says, "When the intoxicating fragrance of hyacinth, the sweet scent of Samanou (wheat pudding), and the fresh hint of Sabzeh (sprouted wheat seeds) fill the air. These are some of the best for me".
Suddenly the lively melodies of music mingle with sounds of "Happy New Year" wishes. The girl points to a crowd of marching children dressed in brand new clothes and shoes, receiving their cash gifts cheerfully and planning of various ways to spend their money.
The bluebird begins to sing a tune for the festive crowd. The girl tells the bird why she has to hurry back home soon.
"On the Vernal Equinox, when the new year begins, an old clock ticks the time away, making it all too difficult to be patient". "I have to be home with my family on that moment.", she explains.
"I saw that, days before Norouz, houses got cleaned, rugs were swept, shelves were dusted, windows were washed, trees were planted, flower seeds were sown, and cookies were baked.", the bluebird notes.
The girl smiles up at him and nods, "The delightful fumes of baked goods welcome the guests inside. I promise to bring you lots of crumbs next time."
The bird sighs and recalls the last Tuesday evening of the year, when he saw bonfire flames and sparkles lighting up the dark late night sky.
The dainty girl hands her bluebird friend, a tiny poppy and says, "The young and the old often gather around the Norouz spread with a renewed feeling of hope, forgiveness, and generosity."
The bluebird responds, "I'm happy to be here in your magical land. Undoubtedly, everyone treasures Norouz's promise of becoming better."
The girl smiles and tells him of her teachers saying good byes to the students before spring holidays, handing out cards and gifts, reminding the kids to not eat too much sweets and nuts during Norouz. "A warning we often ignore.", she winks. "We're never going to be that good."
The bluebird tells her of what he saw flying over town shortly after the day school ended, just before Norouz holidays; when tulips, daffodils, almond blossoms, and trays of pistachios, figs, and seeds were being purchased along with baskets of apples, oranges, and cucumbers.
"Traditions around Norouz are many, boasting with spring treats. It makes it worth the waiting!" She waves fair well to her feathered friend and heads back home.
He flies away, giving his word to her, that he'd be back again, thinking of those delicious cookie crumbs she'd bring for him...
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