Jammer lappie
THE STORY OF THE JAMMER LAPPIE/ SORRY CLOTH
According to South African folklore, the name ‘jammer lappie’ originated from large family feasts. A communal damp cloth, placed in the centre of the table, was used to wipe sticky fingers and dirty mouths after food was devoured.
An elder at the table would use the cloth to clean the faces and hands of the children, saying “jammer, my kind” (“Sorry, my child”) as she wiped the deliciousness and grease away.
Today the ‘jammerlappie’ is used for all the jobs around the house; a cloth you don’t need to feel sorry for.