Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

[Anna Xpomoba]

Hello everyone!

There exists a saying "ashes to ashes, dust to dust"
but I really can't imagine what it means, may be you can help me with it

Thanks in advance
Anna

[Anna Xpomoba]

I think I have found it. It is from a pray, isn't it?

My students asked me about it because they noticed the phrase in a song of Metallica...

[Tdol]

It comes from the funeral service. Life emerges from dust (the earth) and returns to it when dead- it reflects the cycle of birth and death. We come from nothing and end up as nothing.

[Anna Xpomoba]

Thank you, tdol!
You reply is very helpful