Hold up! What's that pageant called again? - strange beauty pageants

I'm sure you've heard the saying beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Well the pageants I

m about to tell you about take that to the next level. Time Magazine just did a terrific photo essay on some of the strangest beauty pageants around the globe. I absolutely love a good pageant and as a former contestant, judge and coach I will tell you that these are some of the most outrageous contests I have ever heard of! 

Starting things off proper with Miss Penitentiary...

Lalo de Almeida / The New York Times

Miss Penitentiary, Brazil
One of many beauty contests held in women's prisons around the world, Miss Penitentiary is the culmination of series of events held over several months in which hundreds of inmates from 10 prisons compete for titles. By allowing many women to take part and parade the catwalk, contest organizers hope to brighten morale among inmates, while many of the entrants say the contest helps them feel more positive about their situation.

PAULA BRONSTEIN / GETTY IMAGES

Miss Elephant
Intended to help promote elephant conservation causes in Thailand, Miss Jumbo Queen favors young women who best exhibit the characteristics of an elephant, awarding those who excel in grace, elegance and size. (Contestants must weigh at least 175 pounds to enter). Now in its fourteenth year, the contest is held on the grounds of the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo in Bangkok.

Beauty in Epaulets, Russia
Created to draw more women into the ranks of the Russian Army, "Beauty in Epaulets" judges contestants on their gun-handling skills as well as their singing, ballroom dancing and cooking expertise.

Miss Landmine, Angola
All of the contestants in this pageant, held in 2008, were wounded in explosions caused by landmines. The contest was created by a Norwegian artsit hoping to raise awareness of the struggles faced by landmine survivors.

Head over to Time Magazine to see the rest of the beauty pageants!