Beauty Pageant Background

Beauty pageants are one of the most enduring forms of popular entertainment. The very first beauty pageant was televised by ABC in 1954. The concept of a national competition soon caught on and spread to various cities across the U.S. The popularity of beauty pageants increased further after the 1960s, when they became a staple of society. Some countries also adopted their own beauty pageants and adopted similar themes and competitions.

The origins of the beauty pageant go back to ancient Greece, when a hotel owner wanted to extend the tourist season beyond Labor Day. Seven Northeast cities sent beauty maids to compete in the Miss America Pageant, where they were judged purely on looks. The resulting contest saw Miss Washington, D.C., at 16 years old, win the Golden Mermaid statue and the Miss America title. Unlike today’s contestants, this competition was founded on the principles of equality and fairness.

The history of the beauty pageant can be traced to ancient Greece. A dispute between goddesses led to the creation of the Judgment of Paris. In order to resolve this conflict, Alexandros, a poor goatherd, was called upon to mediate between the two parties. In exchange for his services, the goddesses offered him bribes. Hera promised him a kingdom over all women, Athena promised him victory in war and Aphrodite offered her hand in marriage to Helen.