A hookah, also known as a water pipe, is a device that has origins in the middle east. In America today, it is used to smoke tobacco, flavored tobacco, cannabis, and hashish but was also traditionally used to smoke opium far back in history.
The modern-day hookah as we know it in the western world has a glass base, a tall stem, a bowl, and a tray made of stainless steel or aluminum. These pieces connect to one or many flexible hoses for smoking through.
A piece of smoldering coal sits on top of the bowl filled with tobacco. As you inhale through the mouthpiece of the hose, the vapor is pulled through a down stem into the base. There, it’s filtered by the water before traveling into your mouth and lungs.
If you’ve ever been to a hookah bar, you know well that this smoking device comes with a very rich history behind it. The exact origin of the hookah is a hard one to trace, but historians believe it was created in Persia and then popularized in India by a Persian physician sometime during the 1560s.
At that time in India, tobacco had yet to be introduced by Europeans so cannabis is what was smoked out of a hookah. Hookahs quickly became a symbol of the rich and wealthy but over time they became more available to the wider public.
Hookah is now enjoyed in many parts of the world. Because of the communal nature of this device, throughout history, the idea of hookah cafes, bars and restaurants have been very popular across the globe.
In the United States today these sorts of lounges are very popular with young adults. These establishments feature beautiful decor from the middle east and surrounding areas, including artistic elements of Islamic and Arabian culture. Patrons gather around a table, usually low to the ground, sitting on pillows and choose a flavor of tobacco to be enjoyed. Oftentimes these bars also include authentic food and alcohol as well as hookah. The vibe is always right and immensely enjoyable.
It is quite easy to create the feeling of a hookah lounge in your own home. All you need is a hookah, a spot to chill and a little bit of creativity. You can pin tapestries to the wall, string up low, warm lighting, get a few comfortable, decorative pillows and then all you need is a hookah. Smoker’s Guru has all you need to create your own hookah lounge. Our selection of hookah related goods will get you set up for the long haul with water pipes, coals, lighters and of course, top-quality tobacco.
