I’m an anthropologist. I should have tons of local customs on store to tittilate and entertain, right? But one of the weirdest customs I ever heard of, and participated was in the Navy. It happened just after that morning cattle call we called Quarters – where everyone is marked present or accounted for. It was the Dailly HIM, or was it Hymn?
No, I wasn’t on weed. I was thousands of miles off shore on the hanger deck of an ancient aircraft carrier. As a newb I wasn’t knowledgeable about local rites and rituals, but enthusiastically joined in after the second day.
It started off right after dismissal from Quarters. a sort of low thrum from throats and chests. almost too low for the officer class to catch on too. The Morning HIM, or was it HYMN?
Him,Him, Fuck Him!
It was over almost before it began, and no-one reacted to it, no smiles giggles, just that low thrum. The morning HIM, induced by popular acclaim. Did it really happen. Would the officer class really notice? Everyone moving off in a mass, just a low sussuruss of a chesty rumble- over almost before it started.
Who was the HIM? or was it just really, as you’d explain a funny sort of HYMN? Just a bit of sanctimonious utterance. You decide, but remember it was sailors doing it.
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