Cultural Aspects of the Hookah

The hookah is believed to have originated in India. The first known hookah was constructed of a coconut mounted upon a metal or wooden pipe. It was used for the symbolic and medicinal smoking of different herbs, which were believed to have different restorative and symbolic powers, depending on the particular herb. The teenagers in modern India still smoke a tobacco-based molasses, and it is considered a rite of passage.

The Phillipines

In the Philippines, the hookah was more often associated within the minority communities. It was a source of communal enjoyment in a place where luxuries were a rarity. It was not until many years later that the noblemen began partaking.

American popularity

The hookah first became a cultural staple in America during the 1960’s and 1970’s. It was a status symbol to have a hookah on the living room table for all to see. The more elaborate and decorative the hookah was, the ‘richer’ or ‘wealthier’ the owner was seen. The hookah was used primarily for the smoking of tobacco and cannabis, and was usually passed around with party-goers smoking as they wanted. The hookah has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity in modern America. Hookah bars have become a staple to most large cities. With so many flavors available, it has become practice to mix and blend flavors, creating unique "blends." One can even purchase a recipe book with different flavors and smells. The use of the hookah is most popular with the college aged crowd, and many of the hookah bars are found around college campuses.

Although it is recognized as at least as harmful to smoke as cigarettes, the popularity does not seem to wane. Easily obtained, hookahs are available in designs that are simple to intricately detailed. The choice of tobaccos only adds to the enchantment.