raapaisu
Raapaisu is a traditional Finnish folk dance that originated in the rural areas of Finland, particularly in the regions of Savonia and Karelia. The term "raapaisu" comes from the Finnish word "raapata," which means to scrape or drag, referring to the distinctive footwork involved in the dance. It is often performed during festive occasions, such as weddings, harvest celebrations, and other community gatherings, serving as a form of cultural expression and social bonding.
Raapaisu is characterized by its lively, rhythmic movements, which typically involve stomping, shuffling, and dragging the
The dance is usually performed in a circle or line formation, with participants holding hands or linking
Over time, raapaisu has evolved and adapted, incorporating influences from other folk dances and modern interpretations.