Final answer:
Surgeons originally wore white to symbolize cleanliness and sterility, capitalizing on the color's associations with purity and virtue, and to promote a sense of trust in medical practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The original reason why surgeons wore white was A) To symbolize cleanliness and sterility. Historically, the color white has been associated with purity, innocence, and virtue in Western cultures. In the medical field, these associations are particularly important because they invoke a sense of trust and professionalism. It was common practice to utilize colors like white to project an image of hygiene and safety, especially during a time when the germ theory of disease was still gaining acceptance. The work of Joseph Lister in promoting cleanliness in the surgical environment linked the color white to sterilization practices and thus became a uniform color choice for medical professionals. Cooks in restaurants also wore white uniforms at one time to mimic medical professionals and assure customers of food safety. While the symbolism might differ around the world, the use of white in the context of medicine typically suggests a commitment to cleanliness.