Ash Wednesday is a significant holy day in Western Christian traditions, marking the beginning of Lent, a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. It is observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Moravians, and various other Protestant denominations. The day is traditionally marked by fasting, abstinence from meat, and receiving ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and mortality. The ashes used are typically from the burning of palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations. While historically not observed by Reformed churches, many have begun incorporating Ash Wednesday and Lent into their practice in the mid-twentieth century. The Eastern Orthodox Church does not generally observe Ash Wednesday, with Great Lent beginning on Clean Monday. The observance also includes fasting and abstinence, with many Christians making Lenten sacrifices and praying for strength to uphold these sacrifices throughout the Lenten season. The significance of Ash Wednesday is rooted in the call for repentance and belief in the Gospel, as well as the reminder of human mortality with the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Ash Ketchum, also known as Satoshi in Japan, is a beloved character in the Pokémon franchise. He has been the protagonist of the Pokémon anime for the first 25 seasons, as well as in several manga series. Voiced by Rica Matsumoto in Japanese and by Veronica Taylor and later Sarah Natochenny in the English dub, Ash is a young man with the dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. His lineup of Pokémon changes throughout the series, but Pikachu, his first Pokémon, remains a constant companion. Ash's character has been both criticized and praised for various aspects, including his inability to win major Pokémon League competitions and his longevity and persistence. Nonetheless, he has become a pop culture icon and figurehead character of the late 1990s anime wave. Ash's design was inspired by the creator of Pokémon, Satoshi Tajiri, and represents Tajiri's childhood fascination with catching bugs. The character has undergone design changes over the years, reflecting the evolution of the anime series. In Japan, Rica Matsumoto has lent her voice to the character since the series' start, while Veronica Taylor provided the English voice for the first eight seasons. Ash Ketchum's enduring presence and impact have made him one of the most well-known and recognizable fictional characters of all time.

Ash Brannon, born on October 31, 1969, is a multifaceted American writer, director, visual artist, animator, and producer. With a background in visual arts from the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and CalArts, Brannon embarked on a remarkable career journey. His tenure at Pixar Animation Studios saw him contribute to iconic projects like Toy Story and A Bug's Life, before co-directing Toy Story 2, which earned him an Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing and Writing. Brannon's directorial venture with Sony Pictures Animation, Surf's Up, garnered an Academy Award nomination in 2007. Notably, he also played a pivotal role in crafting the storyline for the Netflix animated series Arcane, earning an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. Brannon's recent co-creation of the NFT animated series Stoner Cats, featuring a star-studded voice cast including Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Jane Fonda, showcases his continued innovation and creativity in the industry. With a diverse portfolio spanning films, television, and video games, Ash Brannon continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of animation and storytelling.

Ash is a versatile name, commonly shortened from Ashton, Ashley, and Ashlyn, and it can also be a surname. It is gender-neutral and is associated with various notable people and fictional characters. Some famous individuals with the name Ash include British geographer Ash Amin, Australian tennis player Ashleigh Barty, and American physicist and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. Moreover, the name Ash is also linked to several fictional characters, such as the protagonist of the fantasy novel "Ash: A Secret History" and the android in the science fiction horror film "Alien." Additionally, there are several individuals with Ash as their surname, including American rabbi Abraham Joseph Ash, British guitarist Daniel Ash, and American businesswoman Mary Kay Ash. The name Ash has also been featured in various fictional characters, including a virtuous chimpanzee in "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and a character in the TV series "Angel."

Ashley Pollard, born in 1986, is a prominent Australian cook, author, and media personality known for her appearance on the reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules in 2015. Raised in a privileged environment on the Gold Coast, she attended All Saints Anglican School and later graduated from the Actors Centre Australia in 2008. Pollard's career took off with her notable performance on My Kitchen Rules, where she finished fourth. She further showcased her talents on Dancing with the Stars and as a contributor to Channel 7's website, Yahoo7 Be, presenting various recipes. Additionally, Pollard made a mark as a guest host on 2GB radio show "Nights with Steve Price," sharing her expertise in food and cooking. She also ventured into writing, releasing her first e-book, "Eat Me," a compilation of her favorite recipes. Furthermore, she displayed her adventurous side by participating in the 2017 season of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. Additionally, she is known for her philanthropy, supporting the charity Beyond Blue due to her personal connection to mental health issues. Pollard's diverse talents and engaging persona have earned her a devoted following in the culinary and media industry.Keywords: Ashley Pollard, Australian cook, My Kitchen Rules, Dancing with the Stars, Yahoo7 Be, e-book, charity, Beyond Blue, media personality, 2GB radio, RSPCA