We have a collection of 11 arrangements for Loituma - Ievan Polkka
What Finnish folk song gained international fame through a viral internet meme? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Loituma: Finnish Folk Ensemble and Internet Phenomenon
"Levan Polkka," also known as "Ievan Polkka," is a Finnish folk song that gained international fame thanks to a viral internet meme known as the "Leekspin" or "Loituma Girl." Here are some interesting facts about Loituma and "Ievan Polkka":
Origin: "Ievan Polkka" is a traditional Finnish folk song that originated in the Karelia region of Finland. It was initially sung in the Karelian dialect of the Finnish language.
Loituma: The song was popularized by the Finnish folk music group Loituma. They recorded their version of the song in the early 1990s as part of their album "Things of Beauty." The band consisted of four female vocalists and a kantele player.
Viral Internet Meme: In the mid-2000s, a looped 10-second clip of the Loituma Girls, characters from the anime "Bleach," spinning leeks to the tune of "Ievan Polkka" became a viral internet meme. This meme is commonly known as "Leekspin." The characters in the meme were originally from an episode of the anime, where they were seen performing the dance.
Leekspin Phenomenon: The Leekspin meme became a global sensation, and the catchy tune of "Ievan Polkka" combined with the spinning leeks gained immense popularity. It spawned numerous parodies and remixes on the internet.
Variations: Over the years, various versions of the "Ievan Polkka" song have been recorded by different artists, ranging from traditional folk interpretations to electronic dance remixes.
Recognition: The meme brought Loituma's version of "Ievan Polkka" to international attention, although it is worth noting that the song itself had been part of Finnish folk music for many years prior.
Kantele: "Ievan Polkka" features the kantele, a traditional Finnish string instrument. The kantele is a zither-like instrument that is plucked or strummed, and it adds a distinct sound to the song.
Traditional Dance: The song's lyrics describe a young man trying to woo a girl through dancing. The energetic and lively rhythm of "Ievan Polkka" is well-suited for traditional Finnish folk dancing.
Continued Popularity: Even after the initial internet meme craze, "Ievan Polkka" and the Leekspin phenomenon have continued to be referenced and enjoyed in various online communities and meme culture.
Cultural Impact: The meme's impact on popular culture illustrates the global reach and influence of internet memes in spreading awareness of lesser-known cultural elements like traditional folk songs.
"Ievan Polkka" and the Loituma Girls' Leekspin meme are a testament to how the internet can breathe new life into traditional music and introduce it to a worldwide audience in unexpected ways.