“Capturing a heartwarming 35-year tradition through photographs, the father-daughter duo’s story unfolds from childhood to motherhood. Standing by his little girl every year, the father’s unwavering support is evident as the images reveal the transformation of the once little girl into a beautiful woman, and eventually a mother.
The evolving backdrop of the same spot over the years is a testament to the bond between father and daughter, while also showcasing the changes in their lives. Shared on Instagram by @historyphotographed, the video has garnered over 21.5 million views and 3 million likes, mesmerizing viewers with this touching family journey.
Instagram/@historyphotographed
According to Daily Mail, the father in the photos is Hua Yunqing, who started the tradition by taking a photo with his one-year-old daughter Huahua during a family trip. Over the next 35 years, Hua and Huahua returned to the same lake in Zhenjiang, China, capturing a photo every year, with only one skipped year in 1998 when Huahua was unable to make it to their favorite spot.
The photographs not only reflect the duo’s aging, but also document the evolution of their lives, including changes in fashion choices, Huahua’s growth into adulthood, and eventually motherhood, with her own children included in the yearly snapshots.
Instagram/@historyphotographed
The heartwarming montage of pictures has resonated with Instagram users, with comments expressing emotions ranging from tears to gratitude for cherished family moments. As @renieisloved shared, “Yeah the waterworks started once the grandkids showed up. Precious.”
Instagram/@historyphotographed
Another user @amezcuasiete reflected, “It hits when you start getting taller than them. And you realize at different moments everything they did and you want to repay them for all the love and care.
Instagram/@historyphotographed
I friggin love my mom, pop, and step pop.” @rajguru_it_is also shared their own family tradition, saying, “My dad started this thing of taking a family picture on every wedding anniversary of mum and dad from the very first anniversary.
Instagram/@historyphotographed
We can see gradual growth of the family from having me to having my brother, us growing up and stuff. My father passed away a year back and few weeks back it was their 24th wedding anniversary and I had no clue what to do. Seeing the reel is giving me motivation to keep this going.”