necrosists

The necrosists are a group that emerged in the late twentieth century among scholars of comparative religion, folklore, and cultural studies. The term derives from the Greek roots necro-, meaning "death," and the suffix -ist, suggesting adherence to a particular doctrine or praxis. Academics first used the label to describe a small, loosely organized community of practitioners who emphasize the symbolic significance of bodily decay and the necromantic traditions found in various mythological and ritual contexts.

The necrosists advocate a philosophical framework that foregrounds the impermanence of physical matter while promoting the study of decomposition as a means of understanding ecological cycles, memory preservation, and the liminal space between life and death. Their activities range from academic conferences and interdisciplinary workshops to community workshops that explore the cultural meanings of death rituals in different societies. Some members produce public exhibitions employing controlled decomposition of biological specimens to create educational displays on microbiology and ancient burial practices. Others focus on the ethical implications of necromantic practices, arguing that reverence for the dead can foster ecological stewardship and social cohesion.

Although not widely represented in mainstream media, the necrosists have been featured in several peer-reviewed journals on death studies, anthropology, and bioethics. In the United Kingdom, a small collective known as the Society for Necroevolutionary Studies was formally established in 2012, providing a platform for interdisciplinary research and public engagement. The movement has faced criticism for romanticizing decay and for perceived moral ambiguity, yet supporters argue that a critical examination of death can demystify cultural taboos and promote scientific literacy.