Bluebird of Happiness Day – September 24, 2024

History of Bluebird of Happiness Day

A bluebird is easy to spot. A male bluebird has a brilliant blue back and flame-orange belly, while a female bluebird has duller colors than the males, much like many other birds. For the longest time, it has been known that the bluebird is a harbinger of happiness. This notion was first held by the Chinese who saw the bird as immortal, a protector, and a symbol of the sun. Native Americans too were in deep awe of the bluebird. Navajos revered it as a spirit in animal form, and the Iroquois believed the bluebird’s song would make the harsh winters bearable. For the Russians, the bluebird represented hope. In 1908, a play named “The Blue Bird” by Maurice Maeterlinck depicted two children in search of the Bluebird of Happiness. This play was adapted into an opera, several films, and a children’s novel, further popularizing the assumption that bluebirds bring happiness.

Historically, the bluebird has featured in everything from artwork to advertisements. It is also believed that the bluebird announces the arrival of spring. Early American pioneers called these birds ‘blue robins’ because of their bright orange breasts and iridescent blue back and tail. Bluebirds are friends to gardeners because they keep plant-damaging insects and other pests at bay. In 1934, the song ‘Bluebird of Happiness’ was recorded. It was composed by Sandor Harmati and the words were written by Edward Heyman. By 1945, the song had become an international hit. Many other bluebird songs followed, including Judy Garland’s ‘Hello, Bluebird’ and Paul McCartney’s ‘Bluebird.’ It’s safe to say that for many years to come, bluebirds will continue to be the symbol for all things good.