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Mahan Inf l ight Magazine

16Mythology

22Mythology

20 Prayer

24 History

26 The Persian New Year

34 Story

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Prayer

Our Happy New Year wish for youIs for your best year yet,

A year where life is peaceful,And what you want, you get.A year in which you cherishThe past year’s memories,

And live your life each new day,Full of bright expectancies.

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April 2018 Mahan Inflight Magazine16

Mythology

Amoo Norooz, Naneh sarma & Haji Firuz

Amu NowruzAmu Nowruz is a fictional figure in Iranian folklore. According to the folklore, he appears annually at the beginning of spring, together with his companion Haji Firuz, to mark the beginning of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.On the eve of spring equinox, when the Iranian New Year is celebrated in the Iranian cultural continent from Albania in the West to the west of China in the East, Amu Nowruz brings children gifts, much like his Christian counterpart Santa Claus. He is the husband of Naneh Sarma, who shares a traditional love story with him in which they can meet each other only once a year. Amu Nowruz is a wise historical presence who passes the old story of Nowruz to the youth. Haji Firuz plays a tambourine, dances, and demands gifts, while Amu Nowruz is the giver.

Naneh SarmaNane Sarma "Grandma Frost" is a mythical character in Iranian folklore. She is the wife of Amu Nowruz, the "Uncle of Nowruz".

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Mythology

Haji Firooz is the announcer of Norooz's arrival while Amoo Norooz is more of a respected—almost always older—character who gives the gifts

of Norooz. Haji Firooz is young, playful and clownish, dancing, chanting, and playing his tambourine to bring good cheer. Amoo Norooz, on the other hand,

is more of a wise historical presence who passes the old story of Nowruz to the young, thus giving the occasion the respect it deserves.

Amoo Norooz, Naneh sarma & Haji Firuz



Mir-e Noroozi is, in fact, a temporary governor who governs the municipality for a few days. Usually individuals from the working class are chosen for this task. This temporary king, clad in official attire for the occasion, organizes an army and appoints assistants; in short he forms a government of his own and is given a lot of authority, and therefore has the right to punish and reward people. In olden times, for instance, if a merchant sold goods for a price higher than the actual cost during Nowruz, the Mir could publicly punish him for this. Sometimes the Mir would look at this game as an opportunity to punish his enemies. Usually on the last day of his reign, the temporary king runs away and hides somewhere, because people could become vengeful as a result of his behavior during his reign. In northern Khorasan, this playful king is called Khaan-e Sizdah Roozeh (literally, the 13 days ruler). You can even find the trace of this game in the poetry of the Persian poet of the 14th century, Hafez: I speak behind the curtains of metaphor, come out of the bud like a flower For, the temporary king of Nowruz has a verdict for but five days

Mir-e Nowruzi

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Mythology

KusaA Persian carnival character known to the medieval and modern folklore of central and western Persia. Kusa “a man with little or no beard, is a carnival character known to the medieval and modern folklore of central and western Persia. The celebration of the Kusa festival “the riding of the thin-bearded” is reported by early Islamic authors and some more recent texts. The custom was performed during the spring festival. An ugly, thin-bearded man, dressed in rags, appeared in the streets riding a donkey or a mule, holding a crow in one hand and a fan in the other. He bade farewell to the winter and announced the coming of spring, demanding money for his good news. In spite of cold weather, Kusa pretended to be hot, fanning himself with his fan and exclaiming “Warmth! Warmth!”. (In order to feel warm actually, he ate warming food (chestnuts, garlic, fat meat(, and rubbed some ointments on his body. The people threw water, snow, and ice on him and he, by his turn, threw some muddy, staining matter at those who refused him a gift.What is described in these old sources seems to be an institutionalized urban custom. The role of Kusa was hereditary and lucrative. Kusa was allowed to circulate only until the afternoon; if caught afterwards, he may be beaten.

Mir-e Nowruzi



"Nowruz reminds us of the values and aspirations we all share for peace through tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The United Nations’ International Day of Nowruz, celebrates the start of the Persian spring festival on March 21 ever year. It occurs on or around the time of the March equinox. International Nowruz Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution of 2010, at the initiative of several countries that share this holiday (Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.Inscribed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a cultural tradition observed by numerous people,

InternationalDay of Nowruz

21 March

Nowruz is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families, as well as reconciliation and neighborliness; thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among people and different communities.About 300 million people worldwide celebrate Nowruz, with traditions and rituals particularly strong in Iran the Balkans, the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, the Caucasus, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. Events may include folk dance performances, special concerts, and tree planting ceremonies.



InternationalDay of Nowruz

Nowruznameh,A written work on the origins of history and

rituals of Nowruz feastby Omar Khayyam

Nowruznameh – report of Nowruz – the writing of which is attributed to Omar Khayyam, the celebrated Persian-speaking poet, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, is the only classical Persian text on the historical Nowruz feast, even though the Persian poetry is inundated throughout its history with the topic of Nowruz and the related issues. This ancient feast has visited hearts and homes of the people in this geographical region, discarded the violence of winter, and has planted the green leaves of love in its place.There is a wealth of information in Nowruznameh about names of horses and explanations about them, names of different types of swords, beliefs of our predecessors about beauty, styles of the kings, signs of treasures, and the characteristics that our predecessors attributed to silver, gold, and etc.All that information, in the beautiful prose style of the fifth century after Hegira, wrapped in the context of mesmerizing stories and fables, has attached high literary value to this book.



NOWRUZ


Nowruz, literally "New Day" is the name of the Iranian New Year, also known as the Persian New Year, which is celebrated worldwide by Iranian people, along with some other ethno-linguistic groups, as the beginning of the New Year. Nowruz marks the first day of Farvardin in the Iranian calendar. Nowruz is the day of the vernal equinox, and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day, depending on where it is observed. The moment the sun crosses the celestial equator, and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year, and families gather together to observe the rituals.

The Iranian festivals such as Mehrgan (autumnal equinox(, Tirgan, and the eve of Chelle ye Zemestan (winter solstice), and many other festivals had an origin in the Sun. The 10th century scholar Biruni, in his work Kitab al-Tafhim li Awa'il Sina'at al-Tanjim, In the section on Iran's calendar, mentions Nowruz, Sadeh, Tirgan, Mehrgan, the six Gahambars, Farvardigan, Bahmanja, Esfand Armaz and several other festivals. According to him, "It is the belief of the Iranians that Nowruz marks the first day when the universe started its motion." The Persian historian Gardizi, in his work titled Zayn al-Akhbār, mentions Nowruz (among other festivals) and specifically points out the celebration of Nowruz and Mehrgan.

MythologyShahnameh dates Nowruz as far back to the reign of Jamshid, who in ancient texts saved mankind from a killer winter that was destined to kill every living creature. Jamshid, the mythical Iranian king, perhaps symbolizes the transition of the proto-Iranians from animal hunting to animal husbandry and a more settled life in human history. In Shahnameh and Iranian mythology, he is credited with the foundation of Nowruz. The book reads that Jamshid constructed a throne studded with gems. He had demons raise him above the earth into the heavens; there he sat on his throne like the sun shining in the sky. The world's creatures gathered in wonder about him and the scattered jewels around him, and called this day the New Day (Nowruz(. This was the first day of Farvardin, which is the first month of the Iranian calendar.

AstronomyThe first day of the Iranian

calendar falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring,

around 20 March. At the time of the equinox, the sun is observed to be directly over the equator, and the north and south poles of the Earth lie along the

solar terminator. Sunlight is evenly divided between the north and

south hemispheres.

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History

Achaemenid periodIt has been suggested that the famous Persepolis complex, or at least the palace of Apadana and the Hundred Columns Hall, were built for the specific purpose of celebrating a feast related to Nowruz. Although there may be no mention of the term Nowruz in recorded Achaemenid inscriptions, there is a detailed account by Xenophon of a Nowruz celebration taking place in Persepolis, and the continuity of this festival in the Achaemenid tradition. It was an important day during the time of the Achaemenids (c. 550–330 BCE), where kings from different nations under the Achaemenid Empire used to bring gifts to the King of Kings of Iran. The significance of the ceremony in the Achaemenid Empire was such that King Cambyses II's appointment as the king of Babylon was legitimized only after his participation in the referred annual Achaemenid festival. It was, therefore, a highly auspicious occasion for the ancient Iranian people.

NOWRUZ DURING HISTORY

Sassanid eraExtensive records on the celebration of Nowruz appear following the accession of Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE(. Under the Sassanid emperors, Nowruz was celebrated as the most important day of the year. Most royal traditions of Nowruz, such as royal audiences with the public, cash gifts, and the pardoning of prisoners, were established during the Sassanid era and persisted unchanged until modern times.

Islamic eraNowruz, along with Sadeh (celebrated in mid-winter(, survived in society. Other celebrations such the Gahambars and Mehrgan were eventually side-lined or were only followed by the Zoroastrians.

Samanids and BuyidsFollowing the demise of the caliphate and the subsequent re-emergence of Iranian kings such as the Samanids and Buyids, Nowruz was elevated

A bas-relief depicting Armenians bringing their gifts to the king, at the Apadana, Persepolis

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History

to an even more important event. The Buyids revived the ancient traditions of Sassanid times and restored many smaller celebrations that had been eliminated by the caliphate. According to the Syrian historian Yaqut al-Hamawi, the Iranian Buyid ruler Ażod-od-Dawla (r. 949-83) customarily welcomed Nowruz in a majestic hall, wherein servants had placed gold and silver plates and

vases full of fruit and colorful flowers. The King would sit on the royal throne, and the court astronomer came forward, kissed the ground, and congratulated him on the arrival of the New Year. The king would then summon musicians and singers, and invited his companions. They would gather in their assigned places and enjoy a great festive occasion.

Mongol periodEven the Mongol invaders did not attempt to abolish Nowruz in favor of any other celebration. Thus, Nowruz remained as the main celebration in Iranian lands by both the officials and the people.

Contemporary eraBefore the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran was the only country that officially observed the ceremonies of Nowruz. When the Caucasian and Central Asian countries gained independence from the Soviets, they also declared Nowruz as a national holiday.The UN's General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nowruz in 2010, describing it as a spring festival of Iranian origin, which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. During the meeting of The Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage of the United Nations, held between 28 September – 2 October 2009, Nowruz was officially registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In response to the UN recognition, Iran unveiled a postage stamp. The stamp was made public in the presence of the Iranian President during the first International Nowruz Celebrations in Tehran on Saturday, 27 March 2010.LocalityThe festival of Nowruz is celebrated by many groups of people in the Black Sea basin, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Western Asia, central and southern Asia, and by Iranians worldwide.Countries that have Nowruz as a public holiday include:

Painting of Shah Abbas II and the courtiers celebrating Nowruz

A Safavid painting depecting Charshanbe Suri celebration

A 16th century painting of Tahmasp I and Humayun celebrating Nowruz

Painting of Sultan Husayn and the courtiers celebrating Nowruz

• Afghanistan (21 March(• Albania (22 March( • Azerbaijan (20 March to 26 March,

total of 7 days( • Georgia• Iran (20 March to 24 March, total of 5

days in general + total of 13 days for schools and universities)

• Iraq (21 March)• Kazakhstan (21 March to 24 March,

total of 4 days(

• Kosovo (21 March(• Kyrgyzstan (21 March( • Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia (22 March,

regional state holiday only(• Tajikistan (20 March to 23 March,

total of 4 days( • Turkmenistan (20 March to 23

March, total of 4 days( • Uzbekistan (21 March)

Nowruz is also celebrated by Kurdish people in Iraq and Turkey, as well as by the Parsis in the Indian subcontinent.It is also taken place by Iranian communities in several regions in Europe and the Americas, including Los Angeles, Toronto, Cologne and London.

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The Persian New Year

Nowruz has been celebrated perhaps for as long as 5,000 years. Originating in Persia and long associated with the ancient Zoroastrian religion. On this day, Persian kings would have worn a crown with images of the annual solar cycle on their heads, participated in the Temple of Fire, and distributed generous gifts to citizens. Today, Nowruz is celebrated each year on March 21, when the sun enters the sign of Aries on the astrological calendar. In the northern he misphere, this date frequently coincides with the spring equinox, the day on which the number of daylight hours equals the number of nighttime hours. On our modern Gregorian calendar, the spring equinox varies from March 19 to March 21.

As Turks and other nomadic people moved into Central Asia and areas around Persia, they adopted the celebration of Nowruz. Today, Nowruz is celebrated widely and colorfully in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and the western provinces of China, as well as the Kurds in Turkey, Syria and Iraq, and the Tatars and Bashkirs in southern Russia.

Nowruz, the celebration of Persian New Year

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The Persian New Year

In the last ten years, the Central Asian republics have recognized Nowruz as an official holiday. Its celebration is marked by concerts in parks and squares, trade fairs and national horseracing competitions. Celebrations of spring are a natural outgrowth of the Earth's rhythms. Nowruz announces the joyful awakening of nature after winter, and the beginning of the agricultural cycle of cultivating, planting, and harvesting. Nowruz traditions are similar throughout the region, and have varied little over the centuries. March 21 is the main celebration, but for the next 13 days, it is common practice to visit friends and relatives, buy and plant seedlings of fruit trees and have cheerful gatherings in the fresh spring air. It is also customary across most regions to visit cemeteries before the Nowruz celebrations begin, with visitors bringing candles and offerings to remember the dead. Two candles are commonly placed at the door to the house on Nowruz Eve in Kazakhstan. In Azerbaijan, the dead are commemorated on the second day of Nowruz, known as the “Day of Fathers”.Nowruz is the occasion for traditional cultural activities, combining common practices with local customs. Poetry is a popular feature of Nowruz celebrations, with 'Nowruzi poems' being written, published and recited around the time of the festival. Music is also very important, and many of the countries that celebrate Nowruz have their own traditional folk songs specifically for the festival. One example is the well-known Afghan song “Molla Mammad Jaan”, which is said to have originated in the city of Mazar-i Sharif.

In recognition of the importance of this ancient rite, Nowruz was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Moreover, in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March International Nowruz Day.

Today the festival of Norouz is celebrated in many countries that

were territories of or influenced by the Persian Empire.

Nowruz is celebrated widely in Afghanistan. Also known as Farmer's Day, the observances usually last two weeks, culminating

on the first day of the Afghan New Year, March 21. During the Taliban rule (1996–2001), Nowruz was banned. Preparations for

Nowruz start several days beforehand, at least after Chaharshanbe Suri, the last Wednesday before the New Year. Among various

traditions and customs, the most important ones are as following:

Nowruz in Afghanistan

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Guli Surkh festival: The Guli Surkh festival which literally means Red Flower Festival (referring to the red tulip flowers) is the principal festival for Nowruz. It is celebrated in Mazar-i- Sharif during the first 40 days of the year when the tulip flowers grow in the green plains, and on the hills surrounding the city. People from all over the country travel to Mazar-i-Sharif to attend the Nowruz festivals. Various activities and customs are performed during the Guli Surkh festival, including Jahenda Bala event and Buzkashi games.Jahenda Bālā: Jahenda Bala is celebrated on the first day of the New Year (i.e. Nowruz), and is attended by high-ranking government officials such as the Vice-President, Ministers, and Provincial Governors. It is a specific religious ceremony performed in the Blue Mosque of Mazar. The ceremony is performed by raising a special banner whose color configuration resembles Derafsh Kaviani. This is the biggest recorded Nowruz gathering where up to 200,000 people from all over Afghanistan get together in Mazar's central park around the Blue Mosque to celebrate the banner raising (Jahenda Bālā) ceremony.Buzkashi: Along with other customs and celebrations, normally a Buzkashi tournament is held during the Guli Surkh festival in Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul and other northern cities of Afghanistan.Haft Mēwa: In Afghanistan, people prepare Haft Mēwa (literally Seven Fruits) in addition to or instead of

Haft Sin which is common in Iran. Haft Mewa is like a fruit salad made from seven different dried fruits, served in their own syrup. The seven dried fruits are: raisins, senjed (the dried fruit of the oleaster tree(, pistachios, hazelnuts, prunes (dried apricots(, walnuts, and either almonds or another species of plum fruit.Samanak: It is a special type of sweet dish made from germinated wheat, and is normally cooked or prepared on the eve of Nowruz or a few days before. Women have a special party for it during the night, and cook it from late in the evening till daylight, singing a special song: Samanak dar Josh o mā Kafcha zanim – Doktaran dar Khwāb o mā Dafcha zanim (samanak is boiling, while we are stirring it, girls are sleeping, while we are stirring).Special cuisine: People cook special types of dishes for Nowruz, especially on the eve of Nowruz. Normally they cook Sabzi Chalaw, a dish made from rice and spinach. Moreover, the bakeries prepare a special type of cookie, called Kulcha-e Nowruzī, which is only baked for Nowruz. Another dish which is prepared mostly for the Nowruz days is Māhī wa Jelabī (Fried Fish and Jelabi) and it is the most common meal in picnics. Sightseeing to Cercis fields: The citizens of Kabul go to Istalif, Charikar or other green places where the Cercis flowers grow. They go for a picnic with their family during the first two weeks of the New Year.Jashn-e Dehqān: Jashn-e Dehqan means The Festival of Farmers. It is celebrated on the first day of year, on which the farmers walk in the cities as a sign of encouragement for the agricultural production. In recent years, this activity is being performed only in Kabul and other major cities, in which the mayor and other high governmental personalities participate in watching and observing.Kampirak: Like "Haji Firuz" in Iran, he is an old bearded man wearing colorful clothes with a long hat and rosary who symbolizes beneficence and the power of nature yielding the forces of winter. He and his retinue pass village by village distributing gathered charities among people, and do shows like reciting poems. The tradition is observed in central provinces specially Bamyan and Daykundi.

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Nowruz in UzbekistanUzbeks serve a traditional meal of "sumalyak". Sumalak (also known as samanu) is one of the main attractions on Nowruz. Sumalak is made from germinated wheat, and takes a whole night to cook. Women from the mahalla (neighborhood) gather around the pot to sing and stir, so that the sumalak doesn’t burn. In the morning, the warm sumalak is handed out to neighbors, relatives and friends. With the first taste of sumalak, you should make a wish.Halisa is another 'must do' for Nowruz. In Tashkent this specialty is known as halim. This wonderful dish is perfect

for meat eaters. Like sumalak, halisa is cooked in a huge pot for 12 hours, which makes its taste very special. Celebrations are not limited to 21 March: they take place for a month. So, for a month.

Nowruz in PakistanNowruz is celebrated by certain groups in Pakistan. They call it Alam Afrooz which means lighting the world. House cleaning happens before Nowruz. Muslim Pakistani people celebrate the festival by wearing new clothes, making delicious food and sweets. People visit relatives and distribute sweets among children.In the major cities of Pakistan such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, etc., one can witness people having exhilarating celebrations at midnight. Cities as well as rural parts of the country host cultural festivals, music

festivals, modern day New Year parties, and live concerts. Some major cities in Pakistan also organize fireworks show, which are set off at midnight.

Nowruz in Iraqi Kurdistan Once only celebrated for a single day, Nowruz celebrations now stretch on for more than 10 days after the ministry of education gave schools a 12-day spring break that coincides with the holiday. Federal government institutions in Baghdad still celebrate Nowruz for only one day. On that day, all government institutions and departments are given an official holiday, unlike the regional government, which gives a three-day holiday.

Nowruz in TurkmenistanIn Turkmenistan, the main dish of Nowruz is called Semeni, dainties made from germinated wheat. Other dainties such as tamdyrlama, dograma, gutap, kebab (dishes of national cuisine) and scented pilaf are similarly popular with the guests. People cook meals specific to each particular region of Turkmenistan. Turkmen skillful riders on the beautiful Akhalteke horses are indispensable participants of all celebrations.

Nowruz in TajikistanTajikistan's biggest annual celebration is the spring festival of Nowruz. Humping over the fire on the last Wednesday of the year is practiced by Tajiks. One tradition survived in Tajikistan is gathering of wild flowers by children in the villages. They bring the flowers back and while wearing colorful attire, walk around the village, knock on people’s doors and present them with a flower. This happens one week before Nowruz and there are many old folk songs sung by the children during the event.House cleaning is done before the celebrations start. The lady of the household has a few specific tasks. Before the New Year arrives, she places two sweeping brushes (jaroo( that are painted red outside the door just before the sunrise, and keeps it there all the day. After the sun is fully risen, more household items are brought outside and a red cloth is hanged outside. The red color signifies the household welcoming the spring-sun and by opening doors and windows, the new spring air is welcomed into the homes.

All kinds of games including playing with eggs, bird fighting, and wrestling are part of the celebrations. Women also prepare a paste by cooking sumalak that is traditionally eaten on the spring holiday. A major part of the celebration is the selection of a queen for the Nowruz that has become a national celebration and is broadcast nationally by the TV stations in Tajikistan. The celebration includes a major parade with young women dressed in their national dresses carrying the ceremonial objects used on the Nowruz spread. March 21st and 22nd are official Nowruz holidays in Tajikistan, but celebrations start before these dates and continue afterwards.

Nowruz in Trukey In Turkey, Nowruz is celebrated by the Kurdish minority. It involves setting up large bon fires on mountain tops celebrating the defeat of the demon-king Zahak, a character from Shahnameh, The Book of the Kings by Iran’s national poet Ferdowsi Toussi.The main Kurdish greeting that accompanies the festival is Newroz pîroz be! Literally translating" to Happy Newroz". Another greeting used is, Bijî Newroz! Simply meaning "Long live Newroz"!

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Nowruz Park is located in Abbasabad Area which has turned into the cultural heart of Tehran. Nowruz Park with more than 90 thousand square meters, is a center for recreational and cultural activities, located in West Highway Modares and South Park of Ab-o-Atash (Water and Fire Park). Nowruz Park is connected to Ab-o-Atash Park by" Abrisham" suspension bridge.

NOWRUZ GARDEN

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Touring Iran

NOWRUZ GARDEN

The soldiers cheered as the train crossed the border into the state of Wisconsin. It had been a long trip from the south, back to their homes in the north.One of the men had a large red scar across his forehead. Another had an injured leg that made it painful for him to walk. The third had unnaturally large and bright eyes, because he had been sick with malaria.The three soldiers spread their blankets on the train seats and tried to sleep. It was a cold evening even though it was summertime.

The Return of Privateby Hamlin Garland

Private Smith, the soldier with the fever, shivered in the night air.His joy in coming home was mixed with fear and worry. He knew he was sick and weak. How could he take care of his family? Where would he find the strength to do the heavy work all farmers have to do?He had given three years of his life to his country. And now he had very little money and strength left for his family.Morning came slowly with a pale yellow light. The train was slowing down as it came into the town of

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La Crosse where the three soldiers would get off the train. The station was empty because it was Sunday.“I'll get home in time for dinner,” Smith thought. “She usually has lunch about one o'clock on Sunday afternoon,” and he smiled.Smith and the other two soldiers jumped off the train together. “Well, boys,” Smith began, “here's where we say good-bye. We've marched together for many miles. Now, I suppose, we are done.” The three men found it hard to look at each other.“We ought to go home with you,” one of the soldiers said to Smith. “You'll never be able to walk all those miles with that heavy pack on your back.” “Oh, I'm all right,” Smith said, putting on his army cap. “Every step takes me closer to home.” They all shook hands. “Good-bye!” “Good luck!” “Same to you!” “Good-bye!” Smith turned and walked away quickly. After a few minutes, he turned again and waved his cap. His two friends did the same. Then they marched away with their long steady soldier's step. Smith walked for a while thinking of his friends. He remembered the many days they had been together during the war. He thought of his friend, Billy Tripp, too. Poor Billy! A bullet came out of the sky one day and tore a great hole in Billy's chest. Smith knew he would have to tell the sad

story to Billy's mother and young wife. But there was little to tell. The sound of a bullet cutting through the air. Billy crying out, then falling with his face in the dirt.The fighting he had done since then had not made him forget the horror of that moment when Billy died. Soon, the fields and houses became familiar. Smith knew he was close to home. The sun was burning hot as he began climbing the last hill. Finally, he reached the top and looked down at his farm in the beautiful valley. He was almost home. Misses Smith was alone on the farm with her three children. Mary was nine years old. Tommy was six and little Teddy had just turned four.Misses Smith had been dreaming about her husband, when the chickens awakened her that Sunday morning. She got out of bed, got dressed and went out to feed the chickens. Then she saw the broken fence near the chicken house. She had tried to fix it again and again. Misses Smith sat down and cried. The farmer who had promised to take care of the farm while her husband was away had been lazy and dishonest. The first year he shared the wheat with Misses Smith. But the next year, he took almost all of it for himself. She had sent him away. Now, the fields were full of wheat. But there was no man on the farm to cut it down and sell it.



Six weeks before, her husband told her in a letter that he would be coming home soon. Other soldiers were returning home, but her husband had not come. Every day, she watched the road leading down the hill.This Sunday morning she could no longer stand being alone. She jumped up, ran into the house and quickly dressed the children. She carefully locked the door and started walking down the road to the farmhouse of her neighbor, Misses Gray. Mary Gray was a widow with a large family of strong sons and pretty daughters. She was poor. But she never said ‹no' to a hungry person who came to her farm and asked for food. She

worked hard, laughed often and was always in a cheerful mood.When she saw Misses Smith and the children coming down the road, Misses Gray went out to meet them. “Please come right in, Misses Smith. We were just getting ready to have lunch.” Misses Smith went into the noisy house. Misses Gray's children were laughing and talking all at the same time. Soon she was laughing and singing with the rest of them.The long table in the kitchen was piled with food. There were potatoes, fresh corn, apple pies, hot bread, sweet pickles, bread and butter and honey. They all ate until they could eat no more. Then the men and children left the table. The

women stayed to drink their tea.“Mamma,” said one of Misses Gray's daughters. “Please read our fortunes in the tea cups. Tell us about our futures!” Misses Gray picked up her daughter's cup and stirred it first to the left, then to the right. Then she looked into it with a serious expression. “I see a handsome man with a red beard in your future.” She said. Her daughter screamed with laughter.Misses Smith trembled with excitement when it was her turn. “Somebody is coming home to you.” Misses Gray said slowly. “He's carrying a rifle on his back and he's almost there.” Misses Smith felt as if she could



hardly breathe. “And there he is!” Misses Gray cried, pointing to the road. They all rushed to the door to look. A man in a blue coat, with a gun on his back, was walking down the road toward the Smith farm. His face was hidden by a large pack on his back.Laughing and crying, Misses Smith grabbed her hat and her children and ran out of the house. She hurried down the road after him, calling his name and pulling her children along with her. But the soldier was too far away for her voice to reach him.When she got back to their farm, she saw the man standing by the fence.He was looking at the little house and the field of yellow wheat. The sun was almost touching the hills in the west. The cowbells rang softly as the animals moved toward the barn. “How peaceful it all is!” Private Smith thought. “How far away from the battles, the hospitals, the wounded and the dead. is my little farm in Wisconsin! How could I have left it for those years of killing and

suffering?”Trembling and weak with emotion, Misses Smith hurried up to her husband. Her feet made no sound on the grass, but he turned suddenly to face her. For the rest of his life, he would never forget her face at that moment.“Emma!” He cried. The children stood back watching their mother kissing this strange man. He saw them, and kneeling down, he pulled from his pack three huge, red apples. In a moment, all three children were in their father's arms. Together, the family entered the little unpainted farmhouse.Later that evening, after supper, Smith and his wife went outside. The moon was bright, above the eastern hills. Sweet, peaceful stars filled the sky as the night birds sang softly, and tiny insects buzzed in the soft air.His farm needed work. His children needed clothing. He was no longer young and strong. But he began to plan for next year. With the same courage he had faced the war, Private Smith faced his difficult future.



Proprietor : Mahan Air Co. Under the Supervision of Editorial Board · 2018-04-25 · that Nowruz...

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Transcript of Proprietor : Mahan Air Co. Under the Supervision of Editorial Board · 2018-04-25 · that Nowruz...