Traditions and naming convention There are said to be no rules in hashing, however several traditions have developed with a violation of such severely frowned upon and likely to invoke a punishment by way of a 'down-down'. A 'down-down' is one of the oldest traditions and is a means of punishing or rewarding pretty much anything. Upon being called to do a 'down-down' the accused must come to the middle of the circle and drink everything that they have in their vessel (generally a cup, mug, or other drinking device). They must do this without pause until either they have either consumed the whole quantity of drink (typically beer, but can be of any drink they may have with them) or they must pour the remaining contents over their head. Typically there are no new shoes allowed on the hash trail whereas being caught in a pair of new shoes may require that one drinks from the offending shoe as penance. Other traditions include a prohibition of pointing with fingers, requiring the use of elbows or other appendages to indicate direction, holding hands with your wife/girlfriend/boyfriend, or the use of real names (aka nerd names) at any point around other hashers.

One aspect of hashing that makes the activity stand out (besides the running and general drinking of beer) is the use of names as assigned by the group. Though traditions vary by each group and not all hashes have this tradition (e.g., New York HHH), someone may be given a name after a specified number of hashes attended (e.g. 5), after they hare their first trail, or after they do something the pack deems noteworthy. At one's first hash, they will generally be known as 'Virgin [name]' or 'New Boot [name]' and will then be called 'Just [name]' until duly named by the group. Before a naming, the group may collect information concerning the individual or ask them a series of questions that can range from occupation, most embarrassing moment, personal preferences, stories, or experiences. The person in question may then be sent away for a short time as their new name is decided by group consensus. Many suggestions may be made with the final name being chosen by vote of the group attending with more often than not some humorous or debaucherous concoction being used.

In a few areas, bicycle hashes, BASHes, have been formed, based loosely on same principles, but often without the ceremonial aspects. In some countries there are Kids Hashes for those under 16.

The Hash is frequently described as "a club for drinkers with a running problem," often when recruiting participants for hastily arranged group runs that tour local pubs and drinking venues.

The traditional symbol of the hash is the outline of the foot, with often the words 'On-On' written upon it.

Copyright © 2006 xhhh.com                    Powered by Engineer Partner The One Stop Outsource