Hookah pipes represent an ancient and well-preserved tradition of social smoking and leisure, still very much alive in the smoking lounges of southern Europe and on the distinguishing rugs in the houses of Middle-Eastern countries. Their colorful and intricately designed frames are often at the centre of artistic debate and discussion and are seen by many as being sacred artifacts of fantastical origins.

The history of these oriental water pipes, are clouded in mystery. However, the general consensus leans towards Indian origins surrounded by time old visions of marble palaces and persons of elite royalty. Previously a symbol of status and grandeur, the use of hookah pipes today, known by many names including narghile, okka, lula and shisha, has become increasingly globalized.

Their inclusion in everyday life since the days of the Mughal emperors, throughout western civilization became somewhat ingrained by Lewis Carroll\’s children\’s tale called, \”Alice\’s Adventures in Wonderland.\” In the book, the main character, Alice, encounters a rather regal-looking caterpillar, perched calmly on a mushroom, billowing out great puffs of smoke from his hookah pipe.

Their appearance and design are fascinating. Formerly, materials such as gold and brass were used to create sturdy vessels whose appearance sometimes sacrificed their functionality for more than one person. Hollowed out shells of coconuts were mounted in silver and used as bowls for the upper part of the pipe and embellished with expensive gems such as rubies and emeralds as displays of wealth and aristocracy.

The upper part of modern day hookahs consist of marble bowls, in which the tobacco and a block of charcoal is placed. The tobacco is available in a wide range of flavours including cherry, mint, vanilla and pistachio. The body of the pipe rests on a water jar, commonly made of coloured glass, from which two to four hoses extend, for smokers to inhale the tobacco.

Due to its association with the use of cannabis as well as worldwide awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, the smoking of these pipes has been prohibited in many countries or strict restrictions have been placed on their usage. Recent studies have tainted perceptions that the water in the pipe leads to the purification of the smoke. Instead, its effects have been likened to those experienced by long-term cigarette smokers, if not worse.

A great deal of controversy surrounds the use of these smoking contraptions, with supporters campaigning against its prohibition. Some argue that prohibition will undermine the practices of major religions while others affirm their centrality in gatherings of a social nature as tradition has dictated for centuries. Other findings suggest that the results of reports stating the associated health hazards are erroneous and at times, inconclusive.

The market for hookah pipes has emerged as an industry of its own in certain parts of the world, who manufacture and wholesale them to other countries in which cafes, tea lounges, bars and restaurants are centred around smoking. Perhaps these venues represent an integration of culture and an ambience of decadence, which hookah supporters argue, should not be destroyed.

Author Bio: Your local hemp culture store can offer a broad range of vaporizers on the web. A smoking pipes is ideal for smoking herbs such as peppermint.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: smoking,tobacco,recreation,leisure,society,bongs,pipes,herbs,hobbies