BBB Etymology - Cappuccino

Cappuccino was first the Italian term for a Capuchin friar. The colour of the coffee reminded Italians of the brown robes of one of the Roman Catholic orders of monks, namely the Capuchins. They wore brown robes with pointed hoods. It is said the first cappuccino coffee served had little peaks of milky foam that looked like these pointed hoods.

The Capuchin order was founded by Matteo di Bassi of Urbino (died 1552), split from the Franciscans. The name refers to the pointed cowl or capuche worn by the brothers. The rule from 1529 emphasized the Fran-ciscan ideals of poverty, austerity and contemplative prayer. They were an important force during the Counter-Reformation. The severity of the rule has been somewhat mitigated, but they are still the strictest of the Franciscan orders.