| As the tradition of smoking hookah has spread around | | | | a tradition that should be respected, even if you find it |
| the world, some of the historical etiquette has been | | | | uncomfortable or unusual. |
| lost or transformed to suit new cultures. In every | | | | The hand you use to smoke the pipe is also important. |
| country the proper etiquette differs a little, and some | | | | Many countries where the hookah has become a |
| cultures view etiquette as being less important than | | | | huge part of the culture are Middle Eastern countries |
| others. This article simply explains the basic principles | | | | that have particular taboos and traditions relating to the |
| of hookah store and lounge etiquette around the world. | | | | use of the left and right hands. You are supposed to |
| These tips are for those who travel and want to | | | | hold the hose in your right hand. Remember this so you |
| make sure they are staying within the bounds of local | | | | don't end up offending anyone. |
| accepted practices in the countries they visit. | | | | As touched on above, you should keep yourself |
| A hookah store or shisha bar is quite an upmarket | | | | composed and respectful when in a hookah store or |
| place in most countries. In the United States the pipes | | | | lounge. It's viewed as impolite to become unruly or too |
| are popular with younger people, so smoking has | | | | loud at a hookah bar. The idea is to be social, but not |
| become a lot more casual. But in countries where the | | | | out of control. Don't ruin the experience for other |
| hookah is a traditional part of the culture, and has been | | | | people at the lounge. |
| for centuries – like India or Turkey – it should be | | | | Also, be wary of smoking cigarettes. In some places |
| approached with respect. That means dressing well | | | | it's fine to smoke a cigarette at a hookah lounge, but |
| and composing yourself when at the hookah lounge. | | | | there are a few things you should avoid doing. Don't |
| It's common in Western countries for the pipe to be | | | | light cigarettes from the hookah charcoals as this is |
| placed on a table. Don't be surprised to find in other | | | | considered to be a sign of ignorance and inexperience |
| countries that you end up smoking the pipe on the | | | | by many seasoned hookah smokers. Likewise, don't |
| floor. This is a more traditional way of smoking and it is | | | | tap ash from a cigarette into the charcoal. |