Do Beauty Pageant Winners Keep Their Crown or Give It Back the Following Year to the New Winner?
Beauty pageants are a significant part of cultural and social events, celebrating beauty, talent, and representation. A fundamental aspect of these pageants is the crown, which symbolizes the winner's achievement and the title they represent. This article delves into the tradition of beauty pageant crowns and whether winners keep their crown or must give it back to the new winner the following year.
Miss USA and Miss Universe
The majority of beauty pageants, including Miss USA and Miss Universe, follow a consistent tradition: the current year's winner wears the crown throughout the year and then presents it to the new winner who is crowned at the following year's competition. This symbolic act not only marks the end of one chapter but also ushers in a new beginning. However, the Miss Universe Organization provides winners with a replica of the crown made with realistic-looking gemstones as a keepsake, allowing them to retain a piece of the memory and tradition.
The Ownership and Disposition of the Crown
The discussion around who keeps the crown and who does not reveals a deeper understanding of the tradition and the pageant itself. The crown does not belong to the successor or the new winner; rather, it symbolizes the competition and the title. Winners are merely face representatives for that year and wear the crown as a symbol of their achievement. After their year is over, the actual crown is returned to the pageant organizers or the company that conducts the contest.
State Pageants and Miss America
The ownership and handling of the crown vary from pageant to pageant. For instance, in Miss USA, the predecessor (also known as the successor in this context) often receives a keepsake smaller crown, which serves as a cherished memory and a symbol of their past achievement. Similarly, the Miss America winner keeps their crown, but no longer wears it publicly as their year has come to an end.
Conclusion
It is crucial to understand that the crown symbolizes the contest and the responsibilities that come with the title. Winners do not keep the actual crown as their year is over. Instead, they receive a keepsake or no keepsake, depending on the specific pageant's tradition, as a lasting reminder of their achievement. This practice ensures that each winner, whether the predecessor or the successor, represents the tradition and legacy of the pageant.
Understanding the nuances of these traditions provides insight into the complexities and deeper meanings behind beauty pageant crowns and the legacy they carry. Whether the crown is a symbol of previous achievement or a cherished keepsake, it remains a significant and meaningful part of the pageant experience.