We have a collection of 11 arrangements for Traditional Finnish - Ievan Polkka
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 the internet and a meme known as "Leekspin." Here are some interesting facts about "Levan Polkka":
Traditional Folk Song: "Levan Polkka" is a traditional Finnish folk song that has been passed down through generations. It is often associated with the Karelian culture of Finland.
Vocals by Sari Hiltunen: The most well-known version of "Levan Polkka" features the vocals of Sari Hiltunen, a Finnish singer. Her energetic performance of the song has contributed to its popularity.
Internet Meme: "Levan Polkka" became a viral internet meme around 2006 with the "Leekspin" meme. The meme features an animated character known as "Leekspin Girl" twirling a leek to the tune of the song. The looped animation gained widespread popularity and was used in various online contexts.
Spin-offs and Remixes: The popularity of the "Leekspin" meme led to numerous spin-offs and remixes of "Levan Polkka." It has been remixed in various musical styles, and people have created their own versions of the meme with different characters and objects.
"Leekspin Girl": The character featured in the "Leekspin" meme is a girl with pigtails who twirls a leek. Despite the simplicity of the animation, the character became an iconic figure on the internet during the mid-2000s.
Cultural Impact: The meme introduced many people around the world to Finnish folk music and culture. It is an example of how internet memes can spread and promote cultural elements from different parts of the world.
Continued Popularity: Even after the peak of its meme popularity, "Levan Polkka" remains a beloved song, both in Finland and internationally. It has been performed by various artists and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Language: The lyrics of "Levan Polkka" are in the Karelian dialect of the Finnish language. Karelian is a minority language in Finland and is related to the more widely spoken Finnish language.
Folk Dance: The word "polkka" in the song's title refers to a type of Finnish folk dance. Polkas are characterized by their lively and rhythmic nature and are a common feature in traditional Finnish folk music.
Cultural Roots: The song reflects the cultural heritage of the Karelian people and their folk traditions. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Finland's regional cultures and history.
"Levan Polkka" is a fascinating example of how the internet can bring attention to traditional music and culture from around the world, turning it into a global phenomenon through the power of memes and online sharing.