The latest from the Chiang Mai Bunny Hash
The Bunny Hash is the women only version of the Hash House Harriers. It originally came into being because the Hash House Harriers were a men only group and women were strictly prohibited from attending. It was a different time in the world and such things were normal. These days most Hash groups around the world are co-ed but some maintain a certain day of the week that is men only. We do this in Chiang Mai on Mondays and stick with it out of tradition. Don't worry though, we go on two other runs of the week that are co-ed and we also have the Bunny Hash that is run by the women and they go on as many runs as they want to. The men have nothing to do with the organization of it.
Their events tend to be more grand than the ones made by the men and they always have food. This is one always present aspect of the Bunny Hash that the ones made by men rarely have. I guess we just are far more interested in the beer.
They have all the usual rituals though including the famous ice blocks where people are forced to sit and endure criticism by other members. Remember, this isn't punishment, it is an honor and you always have the opportunity to get your revenge by putting the person on the ice that put you there. Don't be shy! It is expected.
It is based purely on the desire of the management of the local Bunny Hash if they want to allow men to come but during the ceremonies you will be forced to wear a shirt and bunny ears and also there might be wigs and makeup available as well. If this is offered to you, you cannot refuse. It's all in good, silly fun anyway.
The all man Hash is satisfied with a "meal" consisting of a few bananas and some potato chips but the ladies go far above and beyond as far as refreshments are concerned. If there isn't a nearby restaurant involved, someone is going to bring food along with them. In the man only Hash, if we have anything to eat at all it is considered a luxury. We mostly focus on the beers. The women have the better idea of the two groups and I don't think anyone is going to argue with that. Do yourself a favor if you are going to the all man Hash Mondays, eat before you go to it because you are most likely not going to get anything outside of a liquid diet at our events.
The Bunnies do a really good job of operating on their own and as far as Bunny Hashes are concerned in Thailand, the one in Chiang Mai is the most active. They don't operate every week but honestly, this is fine because we already have 3 runs a week and making it 4 a week could be seen as overkill.
As always though, when you attend one of these events you are going to have a good time, we see to it that you do. If you happen to sweat a bit and get some exercise, well that is just a wonderful side-effect
