What is HHH?
I ran in several hash house harrier runs in the desert in Qatar in 1994. They were "administrated" mostly by the Brits. It was a great way for us Westerners "on a leash" in the Persian Gulf to blow off a lot of steam, and "keep it together". Drinking beer is involved. Here's a few things that I witnessed firsthand.
Be sure to wear the correct shirt!Most hash events end with a group gathering known as the "circle", or less commonly as "religion". Led by chapter leadership, the circle provides a time to socialize, sing drinking songs, recognize individuals, formally name members, or inform the group of pertinent news or upcoming events. Circles may be led by the chapter grandmaster, the group's religious advisor, or by a committee. (If you've never been on a hash, you need to know about the down-downs!!)
A "down-down" is a means of punishing, rewarding, or merely recognizing an individual for any action or behaviour according to the customs or whims of the group. Generally, the individual in question is asked to consume without pause the contents of his or her drinking vessel or risk pouring the remaining contents on his or her head. Individuals may be recognized for outstanding service, or for their status as a visitor or newcomer.
Down-downs also serve as punishment for misdemeanours real, imagined, or blatantly made up. Such transgressions may include: wearing the wrong shirt, failing to stop at the beer check, straying too far on a false trail, pointing with a finger, or the use of real names. Commonly, hashers who wear new shoes to an event can be required to drink from that shoe.
I witnessed one "regular" hasher getting singled out for a petty misdemeanour (not showing up with his buddy), and he was told to consume a bowl of putrid food as punishment. After consuming the putrid food and drinking his beer, everyone in the circle cheered, "On, on!"
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