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There are said to be no rules in hashing. However, several traditions have developed, with the 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. Traditions and the degree of rowdiness vary from kennel to kennel, but in general The Circle consists of awarding "Down-Downs" for misdemeanors - real, imagined, or blatantly made up - and the recipients will most likely have been dobbed in by their fellow Hashers. Generally the activities will also include the group-singing of bawdy drinking songs of the type that can be heard in an old pub, fraternity party, military get-together, rugby match, or other such social gathering, with or without specially added Hash House verses.
Upon being called to do a down-down the accused must come to the middle of the circle and drink a cup of beer. They must do this without pause until they have consumed the whole quantity of drink (typically beer, but it can be any alcoholic drink they may have with them) or they must pour the remaining contents over their head. The Taichung Hash is a responsible hash and we realise that some members like to limit their alcohol intake (mainly due to driving) and therefore are allowed to nominate a drinker in their place.
Typically there are no new shoes allowed on the hash trail and being caught in a pair of new shoes will require that one drinks from the offending shoe as penance. Other traditions include a prohibition of pointing with fingers (requiring the use of elbows to indicate direction), no sitting, leaning or pocket-pulling (hands in pockets) during the Circle, and the use of Hash names 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 may vary greatly among the groups, and some groups do not do this, the Taichung Hash gives members a Hash name. At their first hash, attendees will generally be known as a "Virgin" and will then be called by their normal name until duly named by the group. The occasion of a member's naming by the group may occur after they have attended a number of hashes, after they hare their first trail, or after they do something the pack deems noteworthy (usually the latter). Before a naming, the group may collect information concerning the individual or ask them a series of questions that can include occupation, most embarrassing moment, personal preferences, stories, or experiences. Others will then be allowed to share their own stories or knowledge concerning that individual in hopes of finding some aspect that seems to be memorable or noticeably sticks out regarding that person. Lots of suggestions may be offered, with the final name being chosen by vote or general group consensus with more often than not some humorous or debaucherous connotation being used.
The traditional symbol of the hash is the outline of the foot, with often the words "On-On" written upon it.
Upon being called to do a down-down the accused must come to the middle of the circle and drink a cup of beer. They must do this without pause until they have consumed the whole quantity of drink (typically beer, but it can be any alcoholic drink they may have with them) or they must pour the remaining contents over their head. The Taichung Hash is a responsible hash and we realise that some members like to limit their alcohol intake (mainly due to driving) and therefore are allowed to nominate a drinker in their place.
Typically there are no new shoes allowed on the hash trail and being caught in a pair of new shoes will require that one drinks from the offending shoe as penance. Other traditions include a prohibition of pointing with fingers (requiring the use of elbows to indicate direction), no sitting, leaning or pocket-pulling (hands in pockets) during the Circle, and the use of Hash names 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 may vary greatly among the groups, and some groups do not do this, the Taichung Hash gives members a Hash name. At their first hash, attendees will generally be known as a "Virgin" and will then be called by their normal name until duly named by the group. The occasion of a member's naming by the group may occur after they have attended a number of hashes, after they hare their first trail, or after they do something the pack deems noteworthy (usually the latter). Before a naming, the group may collect information concerning the individual or ask them a series of questions that can include occupation, most embarrassing moment, personal preferences, stories, or experiences. Others will then be allowed to share their own stories or knowledge concerning that individual in hopes of finding some aspect that seems to be memorable or noticeably sticks out regarding that person. Lots of suggestions may be offered, with the final name being chosen by vote or general group consensus with more often than not some humorous or debaucherous connotation being used.
The traditional symbol of the hash is the outline of the foot, with often the words "On-On" written upon it.
