We have a collection of 11 arrangements for Loituma - Ievan Polkka
How did a 1930s Finnish folk song become a global internet meme? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Loituma: Finnish Folk Ensemble and Internet Phenomenon
"Levan Polkka" (often spelled "Ievan Polkka") is a Finnish folk song that gained widespread international popularity in the mid-2000s due to an internet phenomenon. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its connection to the internet:
Origin and History: "Ievan Polkka" is a traditional Finnish folk song that dates back to the 1930s. It was originally recorded by Eino Kettunen in 1937, and the lyrics are in the Karelian dialect of the Finnish language.
Internet Meme: The song gained modern popularity in the early 2000s as part of an internet meme. A looped and sped-up version of the song was paired with a Flash animation featuring the characters from the Finnish anime "Bleach." This animation, which included a looped GIF of a leek-wielding character, went viral on various websites, particularly in 2006.
Leek Spin: The character in the animation spins a leek (a vegetable similar to a large green onion) to the rhythm of the song. This led to the internet phenomenon being commonly referred to as "Leek Spin."
Viral Spread: The catchy tune, combined with the whimsical animation, captured the attention of internet users worldwide. It quickly spread across forums, websites, and social media platforms.
Character Name: The character in the animation, known as "Loituma Girl" or "Leek Girl," became an iconic image associated with the meme. The character's twirling leek and the song's melody became recognizable symbols of the phenomenon.
Global Popularity: The popularity of the "Leek Spin" meme led to a resurgence of interest in the original folk song, "Ievan Polkka." Many people who encountered the meme were introduced to this traditional Finnish song for the first time.
Remixes and Covers: The song's popularity also spawned numerous remixes and cover versions by various artists. These versions often blended the traditional melody with electronic and pop elements, contributing to the song's modern appeal.
Cultural Impact: The "Leek Spin" phenomenon is an example of how internet memes can take traditional or obscure cultural elements and bring them to global attention. It highlights how digital culture can create unexpected connections between different parts of the world.
Enduring Legacy: While the intensity of the meme's popularity has waned over the years, "Ievan Polkka" remains recognizable to many people due to its exposure through the internet. The song is still occasionally referenced or used in various online contexts.
Folk Music Revival: The attention generated by the internet meme contributed to a renewed interest in Finnish folk music, showcasing the power of the internet to create unexpected intersections between cultural traditions and modern online culture.
"Levan Polkka" and its internet meme have left a lasting mark on online culture, introducing people around the world to a traditional Finnish folk song in a unique and unexpected way.