How to understand the angsty and awkward ritual that is prom

Few four-letter words encapsulate pimples, rented formalwear and adolescence better than “prom.”

Since the late 19th century, the event has been a classic rite of passage for millions of teenagers. In fact, the word “prom” is older than the word “teenager,” which weirdly first appeared in a 1941 issue of Popular Science Monthly.

Prom might even be considered a predecessor of selfie culture: a juvenile celebration of solipsism and pre-packaged nostalgia. (And I mean that in a good way.) Below are some iconic takes:

“The History of Prom: Where Did This Weird High School Tradition Come From?” Courtney Kocak

It’s prom as social history. In this Bustle article you’ll learn that prom not only predates the branding of teenagers, it’s also literally older than sliced bread. The word is short for “promenade,” a formal parade marking the start of a debutante ball. The first proms showcased couples putatively moving into adulthood who choreographed their arrivals to see and be seen. Not surprisingly, these events were composed entirely of privileged young people.

“Carrie,” Stephen King

The 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek is legendary for good reason, even beyond William Katt’s hair. But the 1974 novel, King’s first, focuses an even harsher lens on bullying and adolescent cruelty. Carrie’s rampage makes total sense, given her humiliation. Imagine being drenched in pig’s blood after receiving the customary “prom queen” bouquet. Who wouldn’t want to kill everyone in sight?

“Tina in the Sky With Diamonds,” Glee

There is no ironic detachment or snide mockery in this show’s annual ode to prom as a force for healing and social redemption. In Season 5’s episode, Tina is named prom queen. When a student dumps a red slushie on her, she retreats in tears. Later, she returns to face the crowd and receives a standing ovation.

“Back to the Future”

It’s hard to imagine a more sweetly romantic ideal of prom than the one cooked up by the makers of this film. Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty McFly, musters every ounce of guitar-shredding talent to keep his parents dancing so that they can have their fateful first kiss, fall in love and later have, um, marital relations, so that he’s born. Forget all that, though; it misses the G-rated point. His parents’ love was meant to be, otherwise he cannot be. He is conceived at prom figuratively and immaculately.

“Juno”

Prom isn’t just prom. Of equal importance are the tense weeks leading up to it, a countdown that festers with wild gossip, unreasonable expectations and crippling anxiety. Rejections grow outrageously bitter; eager attendees grow ever more starry-eyed. When Juno MacGuff discovers that Paulie Bleeker is, in fact, attending prom with Katrina De Voort (whose house smells like soup), the film captures the tidal wave of that anticipation in a gorgeously understated way. But it also adds a sly wink. The magic is that we never see the prom itself. Maybe, compared with real life, prom isn’t worth all that stress. Maybe it’s not so magical after all.

“Prom and Prejudice,” Elizabeth Eulberg

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.” How could you not love a book that opens like that? It’s prom as Jane Austen gateway read.

Ehrenhaft is an Edgar Award-winning and internationally best-selling young-adult author.