A bong is a filtration device that is used for smoking herb, tobacco or other substances. It consists of a bowl and a stem that guides the smoke through water and into the user’s mouth. Bongs are popular among smokers who enjoy the smooth and cool hits that they produce. But who invented the bong and how did it become so widespread?
The Origins of the Bong
The word “bong” comes from the Thai word “baung” or “bong”, which means a cylindrical wooden tube or pipe. The Thai people used bamboo pipes to smoke tobacco and other plants since the 16th century. However, the history of the bong goes back much further than that.
According to archaeological evidence, the earliest bongs were used by the Scythian tribal chiefs who lived in what is now Russia and Ukraine around 2400 years ago. These bongs were made of solid gold and were used to smoke cannabis and opium. They were discovered in 2013 when construction workers were clearing land for a power line.
Another ancient civilization that used bongs was Africa. Researchers have found bongs made of pottery, animal horns and gourds that date back to the 14th century. These bongs were used to smoke cannabis, tobacco and other herbs. Some of them had elaborate designs and decorations.
The bong also traveled to China along the Silk Road, where it was adopted by the Chinese royalty and nobility during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Chinese used metal, porcelain and glass bongs to smoke tobacco, which was introduced to them by the Europeans. One of the most famous bong users was Empress Dowager Cixi, who was buried with several of her favorite bongs in 1908.
The Modern Bong
The bong reached the Western world in the 20th century, where it became popular among hippies, counterculture activists and cannabis enthusiasts. The modern glass bong was invented by Bob Snodgrass, an American glassblower who pioneered the fuming technique that gives glass pipes their psychedelic colors. He started making glass bongs in the 1960s and 1970s and sold them at concerts and festivals.
However, the bong faced legal challenges in the United States in 2003, when a federal law banned the sale and transport of “drug paraphernalia”. Many shops were shut down and online sales plummeted. The law also affected other countries that exported bongs to the US market.
Despite these obstacles, the bong remains a popular smoking device among many people who enjoy its effects and aesthetics. Today, there are many types of bongs available for every taste and budget. They can be made of glass, silicone, metal, wood or plastic. They can have different shapes, sizes, colors and features. Some of them are even inspired by ancient designs or historical figures.
The Benefits of Using a Bong
Many smokers prefer using a bong over other methods because of its advantages. Some of these benefits are:
- A bong filters the smoke through water, which cools it down and removes some of the tar and toxins.
- A bong produces smoother and less harsh hits than joints, blunts or pipes.
- A bong allows the user to inhale larger amounts of smoke at once, which can enhance the effects of the herb or tobacco.
- A bong can be customized with different accessories, such as percolators, ice catchers, ash catchers or diffusers.
- A bong can be a beautiful piece of art that reflects the personality and style of the user.
The Conclusion
The bong is a fascinating device that has a long and rich history. It originated from ancient cultures that used it for ritualistic, medicinal or recreational purposes. It traveled across continents and centuries until it reached its modern form. It faced legal challenges but survived and thrived in the contemporary world. It offers many benefits to smokers who appreciate its functionality and beauty.
If you are interested in buying a bong or learning more about it, you can visit some of these websites:
https://smokea.com/blogs/blog/history-of-the-bong https://www.marijuanabeginners.com/who-invented-the-bong/ https://thefreezepipe.com/blogs/buyers-guides/history-of-the-bong-who-invented-the-bong https://www.lookah.com/blog/history-of-the-bong/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bong
Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something new. Happy smoking!
