Hashing 101
April 1st, 2007
So you have heard of hashing and you are thinking of giving it a try. You probably know that hashers take turns being the hares and that, as hares, they lay a trail using dollops of flour (or cornmeal) that the rest of the hashers (the hounds) try to follow. Since the idea is to keep the group together, there are false trails and loops used to slow down the faster runners. You can run a little or a lot, jog slow, or even walk the trail. While that’s a great start for learning about hashing, here are some other important things to know.
Go to the hash with a very open mind, if you’re easily offended this is not the place for you. The hash is full of silly, often dirty/sexual, songs. There is also generally rowdy behavior. If this makes you uncomfortable, the hash might not be the place for you. While all things are done in the light of fun, if you feel that you are being made part of something you don’t like, just excuse yourself from it. There tend to be a few hashers in every group that are more gregarious than the rest; if you fit with them, fine, if not, find the others. Don’t let the idea of a few hard partyers put you off though. The hash can be fun for just about everyone with one exception: the hash is not a family activity, so please leave your kids at home.
If you don’t drink (or want to drink) alcohol, just make it known and keep your resolve. Just because the hash is a drinking club with a running problem doesn’t mean you have to drink alcohol (or run actually). If you don’t drink alcoholic beverages or if you just prefer not to indulge on a certain occasion, just let it be known (so that people don’t accidentally serve you beer) and stick to it. Once people get the idea, they will leave you alone. Most hashes try very hard to let everyone know that it is perfectly acceptable to abstain from alcohol. It’s a good idea, however, to bring your own water or drink of some sort on your first trail just in case the hash didn’t prepare for you. There should always be some water handy and a few nonalcoholic beverages on hand, but just to be sure it’s helpful to bring your own until you know how well the group is prepared.
Every hash house is different. Not all hashes were created equal. There are different rules everywhere so just stay alert to what seems to be the norm where you are. At some hashes it’s fine to wear a hat or point at people in the circle, but at others these offenses will earn you a chance to drink while being sung to. Just remember the old cliche “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Just follow the general behavior of the other hashers. You’ll catch on quickly enough.
Never wear new shoes. Now pay attention: If you wear new shoes to a hash (or even shoes that look new) you’ll probably be drinking out of them by the end of the night. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it.
So what can you expect when you show up? Here’s a quick rundown of how a first hash might go:
You arrive on time to the start of the hash. Hashers arrive and may have a beer (or two) before starting. Your first task is to find out if you need to sign in. Let people know this is your first hash. Introduce yourself. Get to know some of the other hashers. The hares should do a quick chalk talk, explaining what kind of markings to look for. If it’s a live trail the hares will leave and the pack will follow in a few minutes. If it’s a dead trail the hares will point the way to the first bit of trail. You and the other hounds will follow a trail, normally laid in flour, but also possibly laid in chalk, cornmeal, or one of thousands of other substances. Follow trail and eventually you’ll arrive at the beer check. Have a drink and a rest, and then continue following trail. At the end (on in), enjoy some tasty food and go mingle. Eventually the circle (also called religion) will start. Stand and do what you are told to do. At some point, you will be honored with a down-down for being new. Just enjoy yourself and listen to what’s happening. Try to participate as much as you comfortably can. Once circle is over, you can either leave or find out if there is an on on on, or on after. This would probably be at someone’s house or at a bar/restaurant. It’s just more social time with hashers.
It may seem like hashers speak a whole different language, but really it’s just a few words here and there that are part of the hash lingo. Here are a few important terms to know, you can pick up the rest as you go. Don’t be afraid to ask!
On-on!
“I’m on trail. Follow me.”
Are you?
“Are you on trail?”
Checking.
“I’m not on trail but I might be. I’m looking to be sure.”
On-in.
Then ending point of the trail.
Beer check.
Usually a half way point to have something to drink and rest for a minute.
FRB(s), Front Running Bastard(s).
The person/people who arrive to the beer check or on in first, not always the fastest runners.
DFL Dead Fucking Last.
That’s pretty obvious. It’s the people who arrive last.
Want to learn more about these crazy runners? With more than 1600 groups worldwide in every major city, there is plenty of information to be found:
- Read a brief history of the Hash.
- Another Hashing primer.
- Find a Hash near you.
- The World Hash House Harriers Home Page
This article was originally contributed by Jesslyn Cummings and appeared on RunningPlaces.com (the predecessor to Thoos).