Hookah is a growing pop culture trend, and as with any culture, there is a certain amount of etiquette attached to its practice. As hookah bars become more popular hangouts with upscale crowds, knowing the rules of the road is helpful to newbies. Many of these rules of etiquette deal with the proper manner of holding, touching, using and passing the hookah hose.
One of the first rules of the road is out of respect for the culture where the hookah is most predominant, the Middle East. Because Middle Easterners consider the left hand to be dirty, always use your right hand when handling the hookah hose. The next important rule to observe is related to a Middle Eastern cultural habit related to touching. Rather than directly passing the hookah pipe to the next person in your group or at the hookah bar you are visiting, place the hookah pipe on the table in front of you and let the next person pick it up for himself.
Many hookah bars have hookah pipes with multiple hoses attached. If your hookah pipe has multiple hoses, you should always plug the end of your pipe when you are not smoking. This helps anyone still smoking to be able to inhale better and not just suck air. Finally, when you are finished with your hookah hose, wrap it around the shaft to indicate you are done and the next person may take your spot. Make your hookah the most enjoyable one possible by following these simple rules of etiquette, and you'll always be welcomed back to your favorite hookah bar or lounge!
Decorative Hookah Hoses
Many hookah hoses are uniquely designed, and there are numerous decorative and stylish versions available. These crafted hookah hoses are often advertised as imparting a royal feeling, which is quite believable!
The word that best describes decorative hookah hoses is "exotic". It's usually the handles around the mouthpiece that are the focal point: some are enameled, while others have special wooden Arabic designs, golden plated metal rings, or shiny varnish. Occasionally they are carved or covered with woven yarns or ornaments. One expensive handle offers inlaid mosaics, which is actually a work of art!
The hose that connects to the hookah is more than just a flexible tube; it is frequently quite beautiful itself. One Syrian model is made from materials resembling tiger hide; a few Jordanian models have strikingly brilliant color, and many hookah hoses are striped! There are even hoses that actually appear to be covered in shag carpet of various colors!
A hookah hose can extend over 70 inches or 2 meters in length, and ranges in price from under $10 to over $20 in U.S. currency. The two main classifications are the traditional or "Sheik" hookah hose with a straight mouthpiece, and the Egyptian Cobra hookah hose, whose mouthpiece is shaped like a cobra snake. Both offer distinct advantages for the serious smoker!
If consumers currently own hookah hoses that seem drab in comparison to these new models, they need not worry- there are now decorative hookah hose covers to make theirs every bit as glamorous!
