Happy Heretics - Welcome Virgins!

Welcome, Virgins!
Here is some information and some answers for questions you probably have ...

WHAT IS HASHING? Hashing is the hedonistic evolution of a british schoolyard game, "Hares and Hounds". A runner (the hare) would have a sizeable headstart to run from the group. The group of "hounds" would then try to track down and catch the hare. As people don't have the olfactory senses to track another by smell, the hare would leave some sort of markings. The skill of the game would be to follow the trail to catch the hare.

In 1938, some British civil servants stationed in Kuala Lumpur invoked this game to pass the time, but with a brilliant twist: the hare would be found with BEER! A more historical summary can be found here.

Today there are over 1600 hashing chapters worldwide. Come be a part of one!

WHO ARE THE HAPPY HERETICS? The Happy Heretics are a group around Charleston who love the hash and are always excited to introduce it to other people. We are always looking for everyone who wants to break the 9-to-5 routine and forget about their workaday lives for a little while.

As many of the sites that are listed on our External Links page, the Happy Heretics welcome anyone that wants to try something different. Because of some customs on our trails, we do need those persons to be over 21 and preferably with an open mind.

OPEN MIND?!? WHAT KIND OF FREAK SHOW IS THIS? No, this isn't some perverted circus. But hashers are a breed apart, persons who enjoy having fun at the expense of political correctness and civility. To explain, let's review the hash.

The Hash starts with the trail. Just like in the game mentioned above, a hapless hare runs from the pack along a route known only to the hare. The pack then follows along the path, looking for markings of flour or chalk to indicate the right way. The trail can run on sidewalks and pavement, around parks, or especially through the glory of Nature (grass, mud, streams, etc. affectionately known as 'shiggy'). The trail can run from 1-4 miles, but with refreshment stops along the way (yes, BEER!).

Once the pack reaches the hare, who is at the designated "finish line", the Circle can then begin. The Circle is a kind of post-game wrap-up where the hash will honor the heroes and villians of the trail, recognize other members of note, and raise their voices in randy song. As beer is one of the treats at the end of the hash, the songs get randier as the circle continues. Traditions are observed which have no basis or place in organized society. As fun can take many forms, especially forms that are not family-friendly, open-mindedness is a plus.

When the circle is complete, there is usually some kind of on-after, or an exodus to a locale serving some kind of food or drink. Usually, the merriment and song-singing continues for those wishing to partake as long as they wish. For more in-depth discussion of hashing, check out this Hashing Primer.

RUNNING? WE HAVE TO RUN? Running is optional. Some hashers run, some trot, others mosey, but most walk. The hash doesn't care what kind of physical condition you're in, just that you have a sense of adventure in exploring your world. It's not about getting from point A to point B the fastest, it's about sharing an experience with like-minded persons who enjoy being part of something larger than themselves. Get another perspective, read the notes from a Virgin at the last big event here.

One of the best parts about being a hasher is that no matter where you go in this country, odds are you'll find a local hash who'll welcome you just like the Happy Heretics!

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? The first step is to just go out and do it! The Happy Heretics' premiere event is the annual Bridge Run Pub Crawl, an excellent way to experience the hash and see the Holy City at the same time. Click on this link to see when the next Bridge Run Pub Crawl occurs.

There may be other hashes in between. If you'd like to be added to our mailing list for the upcumming local hashes, send us an e-mail here.

Notes from an NC/SC virgin

This was my first hash event beyond a mere pub crawl, and now it will most certainly not be my last. From the Tippy Cup table to the line at the buffet, I found enlightenment among the many friendly, cheerful, and extremely interesting individuals who composed the pack. I found comradery among many who, it seemed, knew much about each other and shared an almost spiritual bond with everyone there. I heard no conversations about work or various individual accomplishments that society encourages. I witnessed no aggression, no malice, no negative intentions toward another beyond the playful competition in various drinking games. And this goodwill was extended to me as well, a stranger among all of these friends. These were people who knew me by only a name and a shared interest in embracing life. There was no posturing or desire to impress by my credentials and stature in the civilian world. I was accepted and welcome for no other reason than I was there. That is probably what every hasher finds, the great secret that all silver-tongued hashers loudly scream out to civilians which is never heard. I will be back.
-Submitted by Unnamed.