Ashes

Ashes is a term with several distinct meanings. In everyday use, it refers to the powdery residue left after burning organic material, such as wood or coal. Ash content varies with the original material and the combustion process and is largely composed of inorganic minerals and metal oxides. In industrial settings, ash can be categorized as bottom ash or fly ash produced by furnaces and power plants. Ash has various applications, including soil amendment in agriculture and gardening, where wood ash can add potash and trace minerals, though it is highly alkaline and can contain contaminants, so handling and disposal may require care and regulatory compliance.

Cremation ashes are another common meaning. After cremation, the remains are processed into a fine powder commonly called ashes, which may be stored in an urn, scattered in designated places, or interred in a memorial site. Practices and laws governing the handling, storage, and disposal of cremation ashes vary by country and region and may be influenced by cultural, religious, and legal considerations.

The Ashes is also the name of the historic Test cricket series between England and Australia. The rivalry began in 1882-83 after a mock obituary in a British newspaper, which popularized the term The Ashes. Matches are traditionally played as a five-test series, alternating between the two countries, and the series is regarded as one of cricket’s most celebrated competitions. The trophy is a small ceremonial urn, symbolic of the contest’s lore, and is typically housed at the MCC Museum in London when not touring.