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Take a Break

People from around the world photographed the one thing that means the most to them

Toys, poems, mittens and a yo-yo all made the list.

FIFTY PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM 20 countries around the world were asked to take a photograph of the one thing they value the most in the world.

Some of the objects are practical (a passport, for example), but almost all of the objects have a sentimental value – a beloved toy, a collection of poems by a grandparent, an engagement ring.

Grandfather’s poems

my-grandfathers-poems

“This notebook belonged to my grandfather in the early 1960s. He used to write his own poetry and also wrote out other people’s’ poems which he liked. Because I never got the chance to meet him, reading his poetry and just looking at his handwriting makes me feel close to him.” - Hira, from Pakistan

A 16th birthday gift

a-16th-birthday-gift

“These are the only gold earrings I have. I don’t like to wear jewellery, but I got them on my 16th birthday from my mom and I still remember the moment when I opened them.” - Olha, from Ukraine

A drumstick

drumstick

“This is the only remaining drumstick in my possession from my last music gig in Belgrade. I threw the other one into the audience for good luck. I call it my last performance, goodbye stick.” - Dejan, from Serbia

A photograph of a mother

an-old-photograph-of-my-mother

“If I were to lose everything else I possess, I would want to keep the visual memory of my mother. Everything else could eventually be replaced, but I don’t want to forget the face of the one who raised me to be who I am today.” - Lauren, from Romania

An engagement ring

my-engagement-ring

“This is the ring I got from my then boyfriend, now husband, when he proposed to me. The fox is my favourite animal and I truly cherish this object. It is one of my favourite pieces of jewellery and it represents an important part of our relationship.” - Marina from Romania

A harmonica

harmonica

“This harmonica lifted my spirits and gave me confidence when I was at the lowest point of my life, and needed motivation the most. Whenever I’m down, playing this instrument magically brightens my day.” - Ritesh, India

A passport

a-symbol-of-freedom

“This is a picture of my passport, it is very valuable to me because it is a symbol of my freedom. I can go virtually anywhere with it, and without it I am trapped.” - Whitney, United States

Father’s gloves

glove

“My father’s working gloves always reminds me of how good and responsible my father is. It reminds me that I in everything I do, I should think of how will I pay back all my father’s sacrifices to us.” - Mark, from Philippines

You can see the full list here.

Read: Man who didn’t know how long his puppy had to live filmed her every day > 

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