An Ecuadorian Drinking Club (With a Running Problem)
What the @#!% Is Hashing?
Boy, You Ask a Lot of Questions!
Hashing is a crazy mix of running, orienteering, singing, drinking (you don't have to but it helps!), socializing and fun.
The tradition goes back to December 1938 in what is now Malaysia. A group of British colonial officers and expats began meeting regularly for fun runs, in part based on the game of "paper chase" or "hare and hounds" runs.
As things like this do, the idea grew. And of course there were "rules" and objectives. Among them:
- To promote physical fitness among our members
- To get rid of weekend hangovers
- To acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it in beer
- To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel (uh, yeah, LOL)
It's pretty simple really, so there are many confusing rules and rituals none of us may ever fully understand. The only thing to remember is to have fun. At the start of a Hash, "Hares" go out and lay a convoluted trail with some type of marking, generally flour. There are false trails, double-backs, miscues, and all kinds of foolishness. We run, walk, or crawl through the gorgeous streets of Cuenca (perhaps stopping for a cold one along the way) and finish back at the pub. There, we down pints, exchange lies, sing (perhaps PG-13 versions) songs, and perform all manner of pointless rituals. Come one, come all.
Need to know more? Click here and here. We can't vouch for any of this information, it was written by people like us. So there's that.
There are almost 2,000 chapters around the world. And while none of us would join any sort of club that would have us as a member, we welcome you. On On.
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Dance a Little Bit, Drink a Little Bit, Follow the Man
Singing and Hashing. Because We Can!
Singing bawdy songs, repeating nonsensical rituals, and generally having a roaring good time is all part of the Hashing tradition. Here are a few sites for examples of some of the Tom (and Jane) foolery you'll enjoy. Or at least put up with.
Download a PDF of songs here. (Thanks to the Rotten Groton Hash House Harriers)
Harrier Net has another collection of songs we've learned at our mother's knee (and other low joints).
And if you're more into video, here's a nice little primer (probably NSFW ... who are we kidding, definitely NSFW.)
