The Enduring Legacy of Byliny: Understanding the Lines of Life in Soviet and Post-Soviet Cultures

Byliny (Russian: BYЛИНЫ) is a Russian word that can be translated to English as "lines" or "rows". However, in the context of Soviet and post-Soviet countries, byliny often refer to long lines of people waiting for basic necessities such as bread, food, or other essential goods.

The term gained popularity during the Soviet era, when shortages of consumer goods were common, and long lines of people waiting for these goods became a regular sight. The word "byliny" was used to describe the lines of people waiting for everything from bread and milk to housing and employment.

In modern Russia and other post-Soviet countries, the term "byliny" is still used to refer to long lines of people waiting for various things, including government services, public transportation, or even entry into popular events or attractions.