Caffè sospeso (Italy) - Revision history

Editor2018 at 10:21, 11 May 2020

2020-05-11T10:21:41Z

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	\| authorofpiece =Paolo Mancini		\| authorofpiece =Paolo Mancini
	\| authorinstitution =Department of Institutions and Society, University of Perugia, Italy		\| authorinstitution =Department of Institutions and Society, University of Perugia, Italy
	\| authorwebsite = }}		\| authorwebsite = [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paolo_Mancini2 Profile page on ResearchGate]}}
	<big>'''By Paolo Mancini, Department of Institutions and Society, University of Perugia, Italy'''</big>		<big>'''By Paolo Mancini, Department of Institutions and Society, University of Perugia, Italy'''</big>
	[[Category:Market]]		[[Category:Market]]

Editor2018 at 11:08, 16 May 2019

2019-05-16T11:08:36Z

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	{{infobox		{{infobox
	\| nameofpractice = Caffè sospeso		\| nameofpractice =Caffè sospeso
	\| location = ~~Naples,~~ Italy		\| flagemoji =🇮🇹
	\| imagemap = Italy map.png		\| definition =Lit. ‘suspended coffee’, forward paying for a cup of coffee for a future customer
	\| ~~imageflag~~ = Italy ~~flag.png~~		\| location =Italy
	\| authorofpiece = Paolo Mancini		\| imagemap =Italy map.png
	\| authorinstitution = University of Perugia		\| clusters =
	}}		[[:Category:Market\|Market]] – [[:Category: Functional ambivalence\| Functional ambivalence]] – [[:Category: System made me do it\| System made me do it]] – [[:Category: Survival\| Survival]] – [[:Category: Informal welfare\| Informal welfare]]
			\| categories =
	'''''~~Original text by~~ <~~span class="plainlinks"~~>[~~https~~:~~//mde.politics.ox.ac.uk/index.php/visiting-fellows/previous-years/35-paolo-mancini Paolo Mancini~~]~~</span>'''''~~		[[:Category:Italy\|Italy]] – [[:Category: Europe\| Europe]] – [[:Category: EU\| EU]] – [[:Category: Hospitality\| Hospitality]] – [[:Category: Coffee\| Coffee]] – [[:Category: Forward payment\| Forward payment]] – [[:Category: Payment\| Payment]]
	~~<div~~ class="~~toccolours mw~~-~~collapsible mw~~-~~collapsed~~">		\| authorofpiece =Paolo Mancini
	Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.		\| authorinstitution =Department of Institutions and Society, University of Perugia, Italy
			\| authorwebsite = }}
			<big>'''By Paolo Mancini, Department of Institutions and Society, University of Perugia, Italy'''</big>
			[[Category:Market]]
			[[Category: Functional ambivalence]]
			[[Category: System made me do it]]
			[[Category: Survival]]
			[[Category: Informal welfare]]
			[[Category:Italy]]
			[[Category: Europe]]
			[[Category: EU]]
			[[Category: Hospitality]]
			[[Category: Coffee]]
			[[Category: Forward payment]]
			[[Category: Payment]]
			[[Category:Entry]]
			[[Category: Volume 2]]
			{\| class="wikitable"
			\|-
			\|style="font-size:1.1em;"\| Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.

	We can only speculate about the origins and meaning this tradition, as it has not been the subject of scientific investigation. One of the few literary sources associated with the topic is a book entitled ' ''Caffe' sospeso'' ', which features a collection of essays on the variety of daily life in Naples, written by a well-known Neapoletan writer, Luciano De Crescenzo (De Crescenzo 2005<ref>De Crescenzo, L. 2005. Il caffè sospeso. Saggezza quotidiana in piccoli sorsi. Milano: Mondadori.</ref>). Although the book does not detail this particular practice, the subtitle 'Everyday wisdom by small sips' suggests that the ''caffè sospeso'' tradition comes from distant times and is deeply rooted in the everyday culture of Naples.		We can only speculate about the origins and meaning this tradition, as it has not been the subject of scientific investigation. One of the few literary sources associated with the topic is a book entitled ' ''Caffe' sospeso'' ', which features a collection of essays on the variety of daily life in Naples, written by a well-known Neapoletan writer, Luciano De Crescenzo (De Crescenzo 2005<ref>De Crescenzo, L. 2005. Il caffè sospeso. Saggezza quotidiana in piccoli sorsi. Milano: Mondadori.</ref>). Although the book does not detail this particular practice, the subtitle 'Everyday wisdom by small sips' suggests that the ''caffè sospeso'' tradition comes from distant times and is deeply rooted in the everyday culture of Naples.
			\|}
	~~<div class="mw-collapsible-content">~~

	The question ‘''C’è un caffè sospeso''?’ conceals a rich history of traditions, social and cultural attitudes, and specific ways of determining community life. Firstly, ''caffè sospeso'' is informed by a subtle stereotype: the Neapolitan fantasy. People living in Naples are renowned for their creativity and this is often displayed in a tendency to use symbolic language. In this case, 'suspended' indicates that something is floating in the air, moving continuously over the heads of the bar's customers, just waiting to be captured. ''Caffè sospeso'' is a metaphor; it is an image that does not go directly to the heart of the matter. A more straightforward expression such as a ‘paid for coffee’, or ‘left coffee’ would have been too trivial an expression, and in Neapolitan society considered almost rude as a question directly addressed to another guest. Equally, an expression such as ‘Would you pay for a coffee for me?' would imply a direct commitment by the donor to the receiver, stressing also possible economic differences between the two persons. Instead, the ''caffè sospeso'' question is a gentle query, in which the identitiy of the one who has paid for the coffee and the one who receives the coffee is kept in the background. Neither of them is directly involved in the exchange: the coffee falls down 'from the clouds', not from the donor’s hands (Schwartz 1967<ref>Schwartz, B. 1967. 'The Social Psychology of the Gift', American Journal of Sociology, 73(1): 1-11.</ref>).		The question ‘''C’è un caffè sospeso''?’ conceals a rich history of traditions, social and cultural attitudes, and specific ways of determining community life. Firstly, ''caffè sospeso'' is informed by a subtle stereotype: the Neapolitan fantasy. People living in Naples are renowned for their creativity and this is often displayed in a tendency to use symbolic language. In this case, 'suspended' indicates that something is floating in the air, moving continuously over the heads of the bar's customers, just waiting to be captured. ''Caffè sospeso'' is a metaphor; it is an image that does not go directly to the heart of the matter. A more straightforward expression such as a ‘paid for coffee’, or ‘left coffee’ would have been too trivial an expression, and in Neapolitan society considered almost rude as a question directly addressed to another guest. Equally, an expression such as ‘Would you pay for a coffee for me?' would imply a direct commitment by the donor to the receiver, stressing also possible economic differences between the two persons. Instead, the ''caffè sospeso'' question is a gentle query, in which the identitiy of the one who has paid for the coffee and the one who receives the coffee is kept in the background. Neither of them is directly involved in the exchange: the coffee falls down 'from the clouds', not from the donor’s hands (Schwartz 1967<ref>Schwartz, B. 1967. 'The Social Psychology of the Gift', American Journal of Sociology, 73(1): 1-11.</ref>).

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	''Caffè sospeso'' has been imitated in other parts of the world, where it assumes similar characteristics. Besides several other Italian cities and towns, initiatives of this kind have been reported in Romania (Getlokal.ro n. d.<ref>Getlokal.ro (n. d.) ‘Suspended Coffee in Romania’, https://www.getlokal.ro/en/page/suspended-coffee-romania</ref>), the Netherlands (AT5 2011<ref>AT5. 2011. ‘Caffè Sospeso voor inloophuizen’, 21 December, http://www.at5.nl/artikelen/73480/caffe-sospeso-voor-inloophuizen</ref>), and the UK (BBC 2013<ref>BBC. 2013. ‘Would you buy a “suspended coffee” for someone in need?’, 24 April, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22267613</ref>). Some of these imitators have highlighted the solidarity aspects of this practice, regarding it as an occasion to offer the poor the possibility of enjoying a coffee, if not a whole meal (Nove.Firenze.it 2004<ref>Nove.Firenze.it. 2004. ‘Oggi giornata nazionale del caffè “sospeso”’ (‘Today is the national day of caffè “sospeso”’), 12 April, http://www.nove.firenze.it/a404120829-oggi-giornata-nazionale-del-caffe-sospeso.htm</ref>, Retedelcaffèsospeso.com<ref>Rete del caffè sospeso (Caffè sospeso Network), http://www.retedelcaffesospeso.com</ref>). In other cases the practice of charity embodied by ''caffè sospeso'' has entered the logic of market competition, becoming an occasion for the social legitimation of important brands of coffee makers and vendors (Reynolds 2013<ref>Reynolds, J. 2013. ‘Starbucks joins Suspended Coffee Homeless Initiative’, MarketingMagazine.co.uk, 10 April, http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1177756/starbucks-joins-suspended-coffee-homeless-initiative</ref>).		''Caffè sospeso'' has been imitated in other parts of the world, where it assumes similar characteristics. Besides several other Italian cities and towns, initiatives of this kind have been reported in Romania (Getlokal.ro n. d.<ref>Getlokal.ro (n. d.) ‘Suspended Coffee in Romania’, https://www.getlokal.ro/en/page/suspended-coffee-romania</ref>), the Netherlands (AT5 2011<ref>AT5. 2011. ‘Caffè Sospeso voor inloophuizen’, 21 December, http://www.at5.nl/artikelen/73480/caffe-sospeso-voor-inloophuizen</ref>), and the UK (BBC 2013<ref>BBC. 2013. ‘Would you buy a “suspended coffee” for someone in need?’, 24 April, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22267613</ref>). Some of these imitators have highlighted the solidarity aspects of this practice, regarding it as an occasion to offer the poor the possibility of enjoying a coffee, if not a whole meal (Nove.Firenze.it 2004<ref>Nove.Firenze.it. 2004. ‘Oggi giornata nazionale del caffè “sospeso”’ (‘Today is the national day of caffè “sospeso”’), 12 April, http://www.nove.firenze.it/a404120829-oggi-giornata-nazionale-del-caffe-sospeso.htm</ref>, Retedelcaffèsospeso.com<ref>Rete del caffè sospeso (Caffè sospeso Network), http://www.retedelcaffesospeso.com</ref>). In other cases the practice of charity embodied by ''caffè sospeso'' has entered the logic of market competition, becoming an occasion for the social legitimation of important brands of coffee makers and vendors (Reynolds 2013<ref>Reynolds, J. 2013. ‘Starbucks joins Suspended Coffee Homeless Initiative’, MarketingMagazine.co.uk, 10 April, http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1177756/starbucks-joins-suspended-coffee-homeless-initiative</ref>).
	~~</div>~~
	~~</div>~~

	~~==Notes==~~
	~~<references />~~

	~~[[Category:Informal Practices]]~~		==References==
	~~[[Category:EU]]~~
	~~[[Category:Italy]]~~
	~~[[Category:Informal welfare]]~~
	~~[[Category:Functional]]~~
	~~[[Category:Survival]]~~
	~~[[Category:Entry]]~~

Admin at 14:44, 29 June 2018

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	[[Category:Survival]]		[[Category:Survival]]
			[[Category:Entry]]

Admin: Admin moved page Caffè sospeso to Caffè sospeso (Italy) without leaving a redirect

2018-05-31T12:21:56Z

Admin moved page Caffè sospeso to Caffè sospeso (Italy) without leaving a redirect

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Admin at 11:04, 6 January 2018

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	<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">		<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
	Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.		Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.


			We can only speculate about the origins and meaning this tradition, as it has not been the subject of scientific investigation. One of the few literary sources associated with the topic is a book entitled ' ''Caffe' sospeso'' ', which features a collection of essays on the variety of daily life in Naples, written by a well-known Neapoletan writer, Luciano De Crescenzo (De Crescenzo 2005<ref>De Crescenzo, L. 2005. Il caffè sospeso. Saggezza quotidiana in piccoli sorsi. Milano: Mondadori.</ref>). Although the book does not detail this particular practice, the subtitle 'Everyday wisdom by small sips' suggests that the ''caffè sospeso'' tradition comes from distant times and is deeply rooted in the everyday culture of Naples.

	<div class="mw-collapsible-content">		<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
	We can only speculate about the origins and meaning this tradition, as it has not been the subject of scientific investigation. One of the few literary sources associated with the topic is a book entitled ' ''Caffe' sospeso'' ', which features a collection of essays on the variety of daily life in Naples, written by a well-known Neapoletan writer, Luciano De Crescenzo (De Crescenzo 2005<ref>De Crescenzo, L. 2005. Il caffè sospeso. Saggezza quotidiana in piccoli sorsi. Milano: Mondadori.</ref>). Although the book does not detail this particular practice, the subtitle 'Everyday wisdom by small sips' suggests that the ''caffè sospeso'' tradition comes from distant times and is deeply rooted in the everyday culture of Naples.

	The question ‘''C’è un caffè sospeso''?’ conceals a rich history of traditions, social and cultural attitudes, and specific ways of determining community life. Firstly, ''caffè sospeso'' is informed by a subtle stereotype: the Neapolitan fantasy. People living in Naples are renowned for their creativity and this is often displayed in a tendency to use symbolic language. In this case, 'suspended' indicates that something is floating in the air, moving continuously over the heads of the bar's customers, just waiting to be captured. ''Caffè sospeso'' is a metaphor; it is an image that does not go directly to the heart of the matter. A more straightforward expression such as a ‘paid for coffee’, or ‘left coffee’ would have been too trivial an expression, and in Neapolitan society considered almost rude as a question directly addressed to another guest. Equally, an expression such as ‘Would you pay for a coffee for me?' would imply a direct commitment by the donor to the receiver, stressing also possible economic differences between the two persons. Instead, the ''caffè sospeso'' question is a gentle query, in which the identitiy of the one who has paid for the coffee and the one who receives the coffee is kept in the background. Neither of them is directly involved in the exchange: the coffee falls down 'from the clouds', not from the donor’s hands (Schwartz 1967<ref>Schwartz, B. 1967. 'The Social Psychology of the Gift', American Journal of Sociology, 73(1): 1-11.</ref>).		The question ‘''C’è un caffè sospeso''?’ conceals a rich history of traditions, social and cultural attitudes, and specific ways of determining community life. Firstly, ''caffè sospeso'' is informed by a subtle stereotype: the Neapolitan fantasy. People living in Naples are renowned for their creativity and this is often displayed in a tendency to use symbolic language. In this case, 'suspended' indicates that something is floating in the air, moving continuously over the heads of the bar's customers, just waiting to be captured. ''Caffè sospeso'' is a metaphor; it is an image that does not go directly to the heart of the matter. A more straightforward expression such as a ‘paid for coffee’, or ‘left coffee’ would have been too trivial an expression, and in Neapolitan society considered almost rude as a question directly addressed to another guest. Equally, an expression such as ‘Would you pay for a coffee for me?' would imply a direct commitment by the donor to the receiver, stressing also possible economic differences between the two persons. Instead, the ''caffè sospeso'' question is a gentle query, in which the identitiy of the one who has paid for the coffee and the one who receives the coffee is kept in the background. Neither of them is directly involved in the exchange: the coffee falls down 'from the clouds', not from the donor’s hands (Schwartz 1967<ref>Schwartz, B. 1967. 'The Social Psychology of the Gift', American Journal of Sociology, 73(1): 1-11.</ref>).

Admin at 11:04, 6 January 2018

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	'''''Original text by Paolo Mancini'''''		'''''Original text by <span class="plainlinks">[https://mde.politics.ox.ac.uk/index.php/visiting-fellows/previous-years/35-paolo-mancini Paolo Mancini]</span>'''''

	<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">		<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
	Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.		Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.

Admin: Created page with "{{infobox | nameofpractice = Caffè sospeso | location = Naples, Italy | imagemap = Italy map.png | imageflag = Italy flag.png | authorofpiece = Paolo Mancini | au..."

2016-09-12T22:11:01Z

Created page with "{{infobox | nameofpractice = Caffè sospeso | location = Naples, Italy | imagemap = Italy map.png | imageflag = Italy flag.png | authorofpiece = Paolo Mancini | au..."

New page

{{infobox
| nameofpractice = Caffè sospeso
| location = Naples, Italy
| imagemap = Italy map.png
| imageflag = Italy flag.png
| authorofpiece = Paolo Mancini
| authorinstitution = University of Perugia
}}

'''''Original text by Paolo Mancini'''''

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Why do many Neapolitans, (''napoletani'') enter a bar and ask ' ''C’è un caffè sospeso'' '? ('Is there a suspended coffee?') Those who ask this question know that an old tradition exists in Naples whereby a customer who has had a coffee in a bar elects to pay for two cups of coffee instead of one, thereby leaving a free coffee for an unidentified future customer.

<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
We can only speculate about the origins and meaning this tradition, as it has not been the subject of scientific investigation. One of the few literary sources associated with the topic is a book entitled ' ''Caffe' sospeso'' ', which features a collection of essays on the variety of daily life in Naples, written by a well-known Neapoletan writer, Luciano De Crescenzo (De Crescenzo 2005<ref>De Crescenzo, L. 2005. Il caffè sospeso. Saggezza quotidiana in piccoli sorsi. Milano: Mondadori.</ref>). Although the book does not detail this particular practice, the subtitle 'Everyday wisdom by small sips' suggests that the ''caffè sospeso'' tradition comes from distant times and is deeply rooted in the everyday culture of Naples.

The question ‘''C’è un caffè sospeso''?’ conceals a rich history of traditions, social and cultural attitudes, and specific ways of determining community life. Firstly, ''caffè sospeso'' is informed by a subtle stereotype: the Neapolitan fantasy. People living in Naples are renowned for their creativity and this is often displayed in a tendency to use symbolic language. In this case, 'suspended' indicates that something is floating in the air, moving continuously over the heads of the bar's customers, just waiting to be captured. ''Caffè sospeso'' is a metaphor; it is an image that does not go directly to the heart of the matter. A more straightforward expression such as a ‘paid for coffee’, or ‘left coffee’ would have been too trivial an expression, and in Neapolitan society considered almost rude as a question directly addressed to another guest. Equally, an expression such as ‘Would you pay for a coffee for me?' would imply a direct commitment by the donor to the receiver, stressing also possible economic differences between the two persons. Instead, the ''caffè sospeso'' question is a gentle query, in which the identitiy of the one who has paid for the coffee and the one who receives the coffee is kept in the background. Neither of them is directly involved in the exchange: the coffee falls down 'from the clouds', not from the donor’s hands (Schwartz 1967<ref>Schwartz, B. 1967. 'The Social Psychology of the Gift', American Journal of Sociology, 73(1): 1-11.</ref>).

Iconic and metaphoric language is typical of Naples and constitutes one of the subtlest stereotypes of the inhabitants of this city. But, as Walter Lippman says, often stereotypes are tools for knowledge and for sharing knowledge (Lippman 1922<ref>Lippman, W. 1922 Public Opinion. San Diego: Harcourt, Brace and Company.</ref>). In other words, simplicity and directness are not typical of this city. Asking for directions in the street will not receive a simple response such as 'Go left'. It would be too direct and definitive, removing the possibility of establishing a personal relationship with the questioner as part of the exchange, something that is considered polite in Neapolitan society. In the context of Naples, the person answering the question would be likely to show his left hand to the enquirer, adding in strictly Neapolitan dialect, ' ''vai pe sta mano accà'' ', meaning 'follow the hand that I am showing'.

Secondly, the coffee itself has a specific meaning for the cultural and social background of the city. Here coffee is synonymous with Naples; in Naples it is widely held that there is no other place in Italy in which it is possible to enjoy a coffee of such a high quality. Coffee in Naples is very ' ''corto'' ' (small), much smaller than any other Italian coffee. It is 'intense' and 'strong'. Common wisdom states that the very special quality of the Neapolitan coffee is governed by the quality of the water but, of course, no scientific validation of this exists. Coffee embodies Naples more than any monument of the city itself. Along with with pizza, coffee defines the identity, the life and the tradition of this city.

Lastly, it is well known that Naples is a superstitious city. Superstition is part of every act and action of the Neapolitan people (Di Nola 1993<ref>Di Nola, A. 1993. Lo specchio e l'olio: le superstizioni degli italiani. Bari: Laterza.</ref>). Before doing anything it is necessary for ''napoletani'' to ensure that luck will be with them. The tradition of ''caffè sospeso'' itself is connected with superstition: through this practice, people aim to gain positive favour from those who may 'decide' their future (patron saints, deceased’s souls, and so on). The action of leaving a ''caffè sospeso'' is informed by a kind of reasoning that asks 'If I do not leave an already paid for coffee, who knows what may happen to me?' As superstition is an important part of the culture of Naples, the fear is that the decision not to obey this old tradition may bring a curse upon the person who has declined; therefore they consider that it is a risk not worth taking. This is a widespread, yet largely unspoken dynamic underpinning the practice of ''caffe' sospeso''.

''Caffè sospeso'' embodies the very cultural soul of Naples and some of its attributed characteristics. This well-rooted practice highlights the existence and importance of community in Naples. Neapolitans know how to behave when they enter a bar; they know that this tradition exists and that they can benefit from it. In contrast to the criminal reputation that contemporary Naples enjoys, urban legend states that ''caffe' sospeso'' was originally an act displaying the elegance and politeness of Neopolitan society. According to some literary sources, the tradition was born out of discussions in a bar between friends and relatives over who should pay for the coffee they had enjoyed. Everybody in the group desired to take responsibility for payment as a way of showing and reinforcing the sense of friendship that bound the members of the group together. It is commonly held that the group, unable to reach an agreement, incorrectly identified the number of coffees needing to be paid for, and overpaid, which resulted in them leaving an ‘already paid for’ coffee for a future customer.

The consequence of this action was that the community embodied by the group of friends or relatives expanded its borders of friendship to include all those who might enter the same bar in the future. (Pazzaglia and Pipolo 1999<ref>Pazzaglia, R. and Pipolo, O. 1999. Odore di caffè. Napoli: Guida.</ref>). The message left by the one who paid is: 'All those living in this area are friends of mine, even if I do not know them personally'. Since ''caffè sospeso'' embodies the idea of reciprocity as shared knowledge at the Neapolitan local level, both the giver and the receiver act on the basis of mutual expectation, which constitutes the fundamental roots of a community (Komter 2005<ref>Komter, A. E. 2005. Social Solidarity and the Gift. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.</ref>).

The idea of community is completed and enriched by a sense of solidarity: leaving an already paid for coffee is recognition of social and economic differences that need to be bridged. It clearly acknowledges that if someone cannot afford a coffee, there is someone who wishes to help by leaving a gift that embodies the idea of community, of 'Neapolitan-ness' itself, (''napoletanita''), and that is expressed in donating the coffee.

To sum up, lacking any written codification, ''caffè sospeso'' is an informal practice, which articulates everyday culture in Naples. Within this practice fantasy, iconic language, solidarity and superstition are mixed together, establishing a shared Neapolitan identity.

''Caffè sospeso'' has been imitated in other parts of the world, where it assumes similar characteristics. Besides several other Italian cities and towns, initiatives of this kind have been reported in Romania (Getlokal.ro n. d.<ref>Getlokal.ro (n. d.) ‘Suspended Coffee in Romania’, https://www.getlokal.ro/en/page/suspended-coffee-romania</ref>), the Netherlands (AT5 2011<ref>AT5. 2011. ‘Caffè Sospeso voor inloophuizen’, 21 December, http://www.at5.nl/artikelen/73480/caffe-sospeso-voor-inloophuizen</ref>), and the UK (BBC 2013<ref>BBC. 2013. ‘Would you buy a “suspended coffee” for someone in need?’, 24 April, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22267613</ref>). Some of these imitators have highlighted the solidarity aspects of this practice, regarding it as an occasion to offer the poor the possibility of enjoying a coffee, if not a whole meal (Nove.Firenze.it 2004<ref>Nove.Firenze.it. 2004. ‘Oggi giornata nazionale del caffè “sospeso”’ (‘Today is the national day of caffè “sospeso”’), 12 April, http://www.nove.firenze.it/a404120829-oggi-giornata-nazionale-del-caffe-sospeso.htm</ref>, Retedelcaffèsospeso.com<ref>Rete del caffè sospeso (Caffè sospeso Network), http://www.retedelcaffesospeso.com</ref>). In other cases the practice of charity embodied by ''caffè sospeso'' has entered the logic of market competition, becoming an occasion for the social legitimation of important brands of coffee makers and vendors (Reynolds 2013<ref>Reynolds, J. 2013. ‘Starbucks joins Suspended Coffee Homeless Initiative’, MarketingMagazine.co.uk, 10 April, http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1177756/starbucks-joins-suspended-coffee-homeless-initiative</ref>).
</div>
</div>

==Notes==
<references />

[[Category:Informal Practices]]
[[Category:EU]]
[[Category:Italy]]
[[Category:Informal welfare]]
[[Category:Functional]]
[[Category:Survival]]