BBOT's Hash FAQ

What is hashing?
Hashing is like a cross between a beer-drinking game, a treasure hunt, and a nature walk. The participants break down into the following roles: the Hares (the person or people laying the trail), and the Harriers (the rest of the group). The Harriers will chase and attempt to catch the Hares, following marks the Hares leave on their trail. Hidden on the trail are also caches of beer and other beverages, both to refresh and delay the pursuers. It's a mixture of athleticism and sociability, hedonism and hard work; and an amusing break from the daily routine.

Do I have to run?
Heck no! Run is a four-letter word! The Omaha and Lincoln chapters have very few runners. We tend more toward the sociability and hedonism than the athleticism and hard work, here in Nebraska.

So you guys smoke hash, then?
Nope. We're about beer. The term "hashing" is derived from the name of the club - The Hash House Harriers. The H3 was founded in 1938 when a group of British chartered accountants in Kuala Lumpur started this game of Hares and Hounds. They named their club after the place they were staying, which was known for its monotonous food. If they'd known how often this name would be questioned in the decades to come, maybe they'd have chosen a name with a simpler explanation.

What do I need in order to participate?
A valid ID proving that you are over 21, a little energy, and a willingness to abandon yourself to the ridiculous for a few hours. You'll also probably want to be wearing comfortable sneakers, maybe some sunscreen and insect repellent (seasonal), long socks or pants that cover your legs to protect you from the foliage that you might be tromping through, clothing you wouldn't mind getting dirty or wet, and you might possibly want to bring a change of clothing in case you want something fresh to wear when we hang out afterwards. You want to avoid wearing jeans or brand new shoes, as they are violations of the Hashing Traditions.

Waitasec. Hashing Traditions? Violations? What's that all about?
Well, I told you that it's like a drinking game. Games have rules, right? Well, we don't have rules, but we do have Traditions. They are, by and large, ridiculously silly. We do not point with our fingers. We call each other only by our hash names. We do not wear denim. We do not wear new shoes. Stuff like that.

So what are the penalties for these violations?
We taunt you and then we make you drink beer. We are heartless and cruel.

Does this cost any money?
If this is your first hash, it is free. If you have hashed before, a trail usually has a hash fee of $7 to pay for beer and such. When we do pub crawls, it's usually $10 because beer is more expensive in bars.

Where can I get additional information about hashing?
http://www.nebraskahashing.com
http://talesfromthetap.blogspot.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_House_Harriers
http://www.half-mind.com/
http://vimeo.com/110386788*
https://vimeo.com/37700328**

* Edit October 30, 2014: Added link to video on vimeo. It's a short documentary of what it's like to go hashing. 

** Edit April 19, 2016: Added link to video on video. It's another short documentary about hashing.