‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’: Origin & Use Today

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust,’ but what does this actually mean? As one of the many euphemisms for death, it’s not always clear how this phrase applies to humanity and our ever-present mortality. 

In reality, this phrase highlights what happens to all bodies during burial ceremonies. Whether your body is cremated or buried within this earth, you will return to ashes and dust. This might sound scary and intimidating at times, especially when coupled with the question of why we die.

In reality, the phrase ‘ashes to ashes’ carries a lot of beautiful symbolism. Returning to ‘ashes’ and ‘dust’ isn’t something to fear. It’s a phrase with a biblical origin dating back to the creation of man, and it honors the cycle of life as the meaning behind everything we hold close.

Let’s take a step back through time, literature, and popular culture to discover the real meaning behind ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ and how it applies today.  

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Jump ahead to these sections:

• What ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’ Means
• Origin of ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’
• Is ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’ Commonly Referred to in Funerals or Memorial Services?
• Where You’ll Find ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’
• ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’ Prayers and Poems
• Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust' Frequently Asked Questions

What ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’ Means

On the surface, ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ paints a bleak picture. The words ‘ash’ and ‘dust’ have negative connotations, but don’t get the diction twisted. In simple terms, this phrase reminds us that we all began as dust, and we will return to dust again when our time finally comes. 

While it sounds remarkable, humans are—at their essence—dust. We’re made of the same stuff as stars, nearly every element in the human body being made in stars and supernovas. It sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but it’s the true reality we live in. 

Our bodily elements (hydrogen, carbon, calcium, etc.) date back to the beginning of the universe over 13 billion years ago. Though you might feel young, your body’s elements are as ancient as time itself. 

With that in mind, eventually, when we die, our bodies return to these basic elements within the earth. No matter whether you choose a natural burial, embalming, cremation, or so on, your body returns to ‘ash’ and ‘dust’ all the same to enter the cycle of nature yet again.

Perhaps, centuries from now, your same elements will find themselves a new home within other organisms, mountains, or even a star in a galaxy far, far away. 

Origin of ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’

The infamous ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust” originates from Genasis. Located within King James Bible in the scene when Adam and Eve are finally cast from the Garden of Eden. The phrase reads:

“In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, 
Till though return unto the ground;
For out of it wast thou taken:
For dust thou art,
And unto dust shalt thou return” 

Later, the word ‘dust’ turned into ‘ashes’ in popular funeral prayers and literature. This began as a Christian phrase used to remember that God always has a plan. Though you’re to return to dust, you’re also to be resurrected by Christ himself when the time comes. It’s a form of comfort that we all meet the same afterlife with God, regardless of social status or burial service. 

Over time, this phrase lost much of its Christian meaning. Though it’s still commonly used within the church, it’s also a popular symbol in literature and storytelling throughout the world. You’ll hear these words in songs about death, poetry, and even modern film and TV.

Is ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’ Commonly Referred to in Funerals or Memorial Services?

Whether ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ appears in a funeral or memorial service depends on the family’s wishes. Though this was previously very common, it’s less traditional today. That being said, many common funeral prayers include this line. 

The Book of Common Prayer includes the well-read passage: “...we, therefore, commit his/her body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” Similarly, you might hear poetry or literature passages that reference this phrase. The most well-known poem is by T.S. Eliot, and his poem “The Wasteland” doesn’t shy away from this metaphor. 

Some common music of today also has this symbolism. For instance, David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes” could be used at a funeral service. Similarly, “Dust to Dust” by the Civil Wars. There are many modern ways to incorporate this well-known phrase in a funeral service.

It’s up to the family whether they feel this is important. In most cases, it’s referenced to remind the guests that this is the natural cycle of life. 

Whenever this phrase is used in a funeral service, it serves to honor the life that’s been lost. Life is beautiful, but it’s also fleeting. Because it’s so precious, it should be honored at every stage. Listeners at the funeral service can reflect on their loved ones in these moments, remembering the value of every day. 

Where You’ll Find ‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’

As mentioned above, ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ is more secular today than ever before. Though it still contains its origin within the Christian narrative of original sin, it’s also much more than that. It’s an ever-present reminder that life is only borrowed time. 

We all must return to dust at some point, so why not live life to the fullest while you can? These examples in pop culture, society, and so on show that this symbol is just as easy to find as death itself. Perhaps it’s our fear of the unknown that keeps the ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ phrase so close to our lives?

Literature

It would be hard to share where to find this phrase without first talking about literature. It’s through poetry and storytelling that ‘ashes to ashes’ became a common, everyday phrase heard outside of funerals. 

Since the Middle Ages, this phrase has been evoked through numerous symbols of ash, dust, and death. Shakespeare himself brings this imagery to life after he murders Polonius. When asked what he did with the body, he says, “Compounded it with dust, whereto ‘tis kin.”

In other words, he’s gotten the body dirty, but his body is already nothing more than ash and dust, so it’s no matter. 

A more modern interpretation of ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ is in the poetry of Sylvia Plath. Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” grapples with death and suicide, alluding to ash and dust several times. She writes, “Ash, ash—you poke and stir,” hinting that there is nothing more to her than ash and flesh. From there, in death, she rises “out of the ash.”

Another modern poet, T. S. Eliot’s famous epic “The Waste Land” relies on dust to make one of its most powerful statements. He writes about the greatest fear of all, the fear of dying:

“There is shadow under this red rock,
(Come in under the shadow of this red rock),
And I will show you something different from either
Your shadow at morning striding behind you
Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you;
I will show you fear in a handful of dust.”

Since the early days of English and American literature, ash and dust have appeared to remind readers that death is always on the horizon. However, it’s often used with power, intention, and even humor. It’s not something to be feared. 

Music

Not only do many historical songs center around the idea of ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust,’ but also many modern songs. David Bowie even has a song named “Ashes to Ashes,” though he pokes fun at the phrase. His lyrics read, “Ashes to ashes, funk to funky” to refer to his fight against drug abuse and personal demons. 

The band The Civil Wars has a song titled “Dust to Dust” about building your heart after a heartbreak. All of those old feelings of the past are nothing more than “dust” at the end of the day. 

TV and film

This common trope of ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ is also present in TV and film. It’s commonly found in crime and mystery dramas, but it isn’t limited to this genre. You’ll find evidence of this circle of life and death in just about anything you watch on the big or small screen. 

The most well-known TV show with this phrase was Ashes to Ashes, the BBC drama series. However, ‘ashes to ashes’ was also used in the TV show episode title for Star Trek: Voyager, CSI: Miami, The Originals, and Only Fools and Horses. 

‘Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust’ Prayers and Poems

The phrase ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ has resonated deeply within the human psyche for years. It’s weaved its way into the fabric of our literature and spiritual practices.

Many poetic and prayerful expressions have immortalized this phrase. From ancient scriptures to contemporary verses, let’s explore how poets and spiritual leaders have captured the essence of this phrase.

The Book of Common Prayer

Penned in 1928, The Book of Common Prayer is a treasured liturgical text of the Anglican tradition. This prayer is often recited during burial ceremonies to emphasize the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of our return to the earth. It uses a common phrase during these solemn occasions: 

“We therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.”

“Elegy in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray

In this renowned and evocative poem, the 18th-century poet Thomas Gray meditates on the futility of fame and obscurity in the face of death:

“The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow'r,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Awaits alike th' inevitable hour.
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
Nor you, ye proud, impute to these the fault,
If Mem'ry o'er their tomb no trophies raise,
Where thro' the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault
The pealing anthem swells the note of praise.
Can storied urn or animated bust
Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?
Can Honour’s voice provoke the silent dust,
Or Flatt’ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?”

The Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Ash Wednesday is a special day of reflection that serves as a solemn reminder of human mortality. It’s the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving observed by Catholics in particular. 

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. During this solemn day, ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful while the religious leader recites a liturgy echoing the biblical teachings of our origin and destiny:

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

“Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” by Alfred Castner King

This poem by Alfred Castner King asks many hypothetical questions about death and dying. He writes, “Is there a Death?” making it clear that he’s questioning what comes after. What does that mean for our souls if we turn to ashes and dust? There are no clear answers, and this poem encourages readers to think about their life and legacy. 

“Ashes to Ashes Dust to Dust” by Kev Elmer

This poem by Alfred Castner King asks many hypothetical questions about death and dying. He writes, “Is there a Death?” making it clear that he’s questioning what comes after. What does that mean for our souls if we turn to ashes and dust? There are no clear answers, and this poem encourages readers to think about their life and legacy. 

“The Wasteland” by T.S. Eliot

One of the most influential poets of the 20th century was T.S. Eliot, and his most famous work is likely “The Wasteland.” This is an existential epic that isn’t afraid to question the mundane nature of reality. 

For example, one of the most often quoted lines is: “I will show you fear in a handful of dust.” Here, Eliot creates the image of dust, reminding the reader that this is what we’ll all turn to in the end. Is this something to fear or something to embrace? That’s for the reader to decide. Read the full passage in the section below. 

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust' Frequently Asked Questions

Dealing with death and end-of-life planning often brings up many questions, especially when trying to understand the origins and meanings of certain phrases and practices. ‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ is a topic of interest for many. Read on to get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this phrase and its significance.

What Bible verse says ashes to ashes dust to dust?

The phrase “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” actually isn’t a direct quote from the Bible. However, the sentiment behind it is biblical. The closest verses are from the Book of Genesis and the Book of Ecclesiastes.

In Genesis 3:19, God tells Adam: 

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Similarly, Ecclesiastes 3:20 says: 

"All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return."

What is the ashes to ashes dust to dust prayer?

The phrase “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is commonly used in Christian burial services. It’s derived from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer mentioned earlier, which states: 

“We therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.”

What does the Bible say about cremation?

The Bible doesn’t provide any specific guidelines on cremation. Burial was a common practice in biblical times, but cremation wasn’t forbidden. The primary concern was treating the deceased’s body with respect, regardless of the disposition method.

Why can't Catholics keep cremated ashes?

According to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, cremated remains should be kept in a sacred place, such as a cemetery or church columbarium. They shouldn’t be kept at home, divided among family members, or scattered. This is to ensure that the remains are treated with respect and reverence in alignment with the Church’s belief in the resurrection of the body.

To Dust We Return: The Cycle of Nature

Everything was once dust, and everything returns to death yet again. This is the only certainty of life, and it’s not something that should get you down. When you understand and recognize that we’re all built of stardust and everything that makes up the universe, life feels all the more magical. In this big, wide universe, we aren’t so alone after all. 

The phrase ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ might have found its start in the original story of Adam and Eve, but it’s truly a tale as old as time itself. Today, it finds its way in popular culture, media, and literature. It is a constant reminder that we are made of the stars themselves, and these elements are as ancient and immortal as existence.   

Sources:

1. “1928 Proposed Book of Common Prayer: Burial.” The Book of Common Prayer, The Church of England, n.d.,  Justus.anglican.org
2. “Ashes to Ashes.” Literary Devices. 
3. “Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Ashes.” Jesuit Institute, Jesuit Institute, n.d., Jesuitinstitute.org
4. “Dust to Dust.” Genius: The Civil Wars. Genius.com. 
5. “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, n.d., Poetryfoundation.org
6. Eliot, T. S. “The Waste Land.” Poets. Poets.org. 
7. Lotzof, Kerry. “Are we really made of stardust?” Natural History Museum. NHM.AC.uk. 
8. Plath, Sylvia. “Lady Lazarus.” Poets. 29 October 1962. Poets.org. 
9. Shakespeare. “Act IV Scene II.” Hamlet. Shakespeare Online. Shakespeare-online.com.