We have a collection of 11 arrangements for Loituma - Ievan Polkka
What Finnish folk song became a global internet sensation through an animated leek-spinning meme? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Loituma: Finnish Folk Ensemble and Internet Phenomenon
"Levan Polkka," often referred to as the "Loituma Girl" song, is a popular Finnish folk song that gained international recognition in the early 2000s. Here are some interesting facts about Loituma and the song "Ievan Polkka":
Finnish Folk Tradition: "Ievan Polkka" is a traditional Finnish folk song that originated in the early 20th century. The song was originally recorded by Eino Kettunen in 1937.
Loituma's Version: The version that gained immense popularity on the internet was performed by the Finnish quartet Loituma. Their a cappella rendition of the song was part of their 1995 album "Things of Beauty."
Internet Meme: In the mid-2000s, an animated loop featuring an anime character named Orihime Inoue twirling a leek (a vegetable similar to a large green onion) to the tune of "Ievan Polkka" became an internet meme. This loop is commonly known as the "Loituma Girl" and became widely popular on various online communities.
Virtual Popularity: The Loituma Girl meme became popular on sites like 4chan and inspired numerous remixes and fan creations. The meme's popularity contributed to the spread of the song and introduced it to a global audience.
International Recognition: Due to the internet meme, "Ievan Polkka" gained international recognition and became associated with internet culture. The catchy tune and the charming animation made it a favorite among internet users.
Cultural Impact: The Loituma Girl meme is often considered one of the early internet memes that influenced meme culture. It showcased how internet communities could take obscure cultural elements and turn them into global phenomena.
Continued Popularity: Despite its initial surge in popularity in the mid-2000s, the Loituma Girl meme continues to have a fanbase, and variations of the meme can still be found on social media platforms.
These interesting facts highlight the unexpected internet fame of the traditional Finnish folk song "Ievan Polkka," thanks to the catchy rendition by Loituma and its creative use in internet culture.