Mourning Clothes: How China, Japan and Korea Dress the Dead

When people in ancient China, Japan and Korea prepared for a funeral, the clothes they wore told a story about their beliefs and social status. All three societies liked simple garments, usually white. China kept a strict hierarchy of mourning clothes, with five different levels that showed how close the deceased was to the living. Japan and Korea simplified this system, making it easier for everyone to follow.Buddhism encouraged plain clothing across the region, which helped create a shared style. Meanwhile, local religions—Daoism in China, Shinto in Japan and shamanistic practices in Korea—added their own touches to the attire. Colors also shifted. Japan added black to its mourning palette and switched from hemp to cotton during the Edo era, while China and Korea stuck with hemp fabrics. These changes show how geography, society and identity pushed each country down a different path. Overall, the three cultures started from similar ideas but ended up with distinct mourning traditions that reflect their unique histories.