[Cronos]

The reason is the same as why in the Middle ages or indeed until the 1900s, European women covered themselves up and a pale skin was considered beautiful -- and the same was true in China and India

The reason is that if you had a tanned skin and non-calloused fingers, that meant that you didn't work with your hands, ergo, you were nobility

Just like the kimono in Japan or the toga in ancient Rome -- you couldn't work in these clothes, so it meant that you were the rich class who got others to work for you

[ThanhPhero]

The effect is the same.