Which group was the first to dress their dead in white?

The tradition of dressing the dead in white is primarily associated with Christian burial practices, particularly in Western cultures. In early Christianity, the color white symbolized purity and resurrection, correlating with the belief in eternal life after death. This practice also reflects the biblical references to white garments, which signify righteousness and the hope of resurrection.

The use of white attire for the deceased has deep symbolic meaning in Christian funerals as it represents the individual's hope in Christ and the afterlife. Unlike other traditions, such as those of Jews or Muslims, which may have distinct customs regarding burial and attire, the widespread Christian practice of using white for the deceased has been noted historically as one of the earliest forms of dressing the dead in this color.

Each of the other groups has unique traditions regarding burial and the attire for the deceased. For example, Jewish customs typically involve plain and simple attire, reflecting humility and the significance of the moment. Muslim practices also involve specific garments, usually a kafan, but do not commonly lean towards white as a universal standard; the kafan consists of simple white cloth but is not a practice of dressing in white specifically. Buddhists have diverse rituals that often focus on the natural process of life and death, and may not adhere to a singular color