Beauty pageants trace their roots back to festivals and competitions celebrating physical grace and poise, with forms of public judging found as early as the 19th century. The modern beauty pageant emerged in the United States in 1921 with the creation of the Miss America contest, conceived as a tourism attraction in Atlantic City. By the mid-20th century, pageants had become international phenomena with the establishment of Miss World in 1951 and Miss Universe in 1952. These events followed structured formats including national selections, evening gown presentations, interviews, and sometimes talent showcases. Over time, beauty pageants developed complex hierarchies and categories—from local and national titles to specialized events like Miss Teen, Miss Earth, and Mr. World—each governed by distinct eligibility rules regarding age, marital status, and citizenship. The terminology of pageantry also grew formalized: contestants are called “delegates” or “representatives,” and winners hold “reigns” or “titles” for a year. In many countries, pageants became linked with national identity, televised entertainment, and even diplomatic prestige, as winners served as unofficial cultural ambassadors. The structure and organization of pageants, the symbolism of crowns and sashes, and their role in global media have made them enduring institutions that blend performance, tradition, and spectacle.