Hookah: A Centuries Old Custom And Tradition
In South Africa, it's known as hubbly bubbly. But, if you're in India, the term is hookah. If you're in Turkey, the word is nargile. What do all these words mean? They all refer to the water pipe that is used to smoke fruit-flavored tobacco, or tobacco blended with molasses. Each of these blends smell very pleasant, which makes hookah smoking so appealing.
Although it's relatively new in the UK and North America, the water pipe has been used around the world for several centuries. The hookah lounge is now becoming as popular a social activity and meeting place as any cafe or restaurant on any street in any country.
The language used can be confusing because some of the terms are interchangeable. In the west, the water pipe itself is referred to as hookah and the tobacco is referred to as shisha. But, in the Middle East, the water pipe is called a shisha and the tobacco is called moassel.
Where the water pipe originated is a subject that's open for debate. One of the theories is that the first water pipe in India was actually a coconut with a hole carved out of the top. This crude design has evolved into water pipes made of many different sizes and designs. Some of the designs can be very elaborate, using precious metals and expensive inlays.
The water pipe can have several components, but the basic design only requires four. The smoke chamber, or base, is filled partially with water. Above that is the smoking bowl that contains the hookah coals and shisha tobacco. The pipe connects those two pieces and comes into contact with the water. Lastly, the hookah hose, where you inhale, fits onto a separate pipe tube that doesn't contact the water.
In many countries, especially in the Middle East, smoking hookah is not only a tradition, it's part of their culture. In India, however, it's more a matter of prestige. And in the West, it's mostly a social occassion.
Each country has their own special etiquette for smoking from water pipes. When you're traveling, be sure you understand their culture before smoking with others. For example, lay down the hookah hose on the table, rather than passing it to the next person. And, if you're in the Middle East, the left hand is deemed to be unclean, so be sure not to use it. And if you smoke a cigarette, do not use the water pipe to light it or to dispose of your ashes.
It seems that wherever you go in the world these days, you'll be able to find a hookah lounge. And with all the different blends of tobaccos and all the different types of hookah you can choose, you can have a different smoking experience for ages to come.
Although it's relatively new in the UK and North America, the water pipe has been used around the world for several centuries. The hookah lounge is now becoming as popular a social activity and meeting place as any cafe or restaurant on any street in any country.
The language used can be confusing because some of the terms are interchangeable. In the west, the water pipe itself is referred to as hookah and the tobacco is referred to as shisha. But, in the Middle East, the water pipe is called a shisha and the tobacco is called moassel.
Where the water pipe originated is a subject that's open for debate. One of the theories is that the first water pipe in India was actually a coconut with a hole carved out of the top. This crude design has evolved into water pipes made of many different sizes and designs. Some of the designs can be very elaborate, using precious metals and expensive inlays.
The water pipe can have several components, but the basic design only requires four. The smoke chamber, or base, is filled partially with water. Above that is the smoking bowl that contains the hookah coals and shisha tobacco. The pipe connects those two pieces and comes into contact with the water. Lastly, the hookah hose, where you inhale, fits onto a separate pipe tube that doesn't contact the water.
In many countries, especially in the Middle East, smoking hookah is not only a tradition, it's part of their culture. In India, however, it's more a matter of prestige. And in the West, it's mostly a social occassion.
Each country has their own special etiquette for smoking from water pipes. When you're traveling, be sure you understand their culture before smoking with others. For example, lay down the hookah hose on the table, rather than passing it to the next person. And, if you're in the Middle East, the left hand is deemed to be unclean, so be sure not to use it. And if you smoke a cigarette, do not use the water pipe to light it or to dispose of your ashes.
It seems that wherever you go in the world these days, you'll be able to find a hookah lounge. And with all the different blends of tobaccos and all the different types of hookah you can choose, you can have a different smoking experience for ages to come.
About the Author:
If you've ever thought about relaxing in a different way than you're used to, then maybe you should try to Smoke Hooka. It's a fast-growing pasttime amongst people in university and people in their early 20s and 30s.
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