CHICAGO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- On top of all Chinese New Year celebrations lasting for weeks in Chicago, hundreds of red lanterns raised in Chinatown in south suburbs of Chicago are especially eye-catching.

This is the first time for the century-old overseas Chinese community in Chicago to raise red lanterns to celebrate Chinese New Year.

All shops, communities and other institutions on the main streets of Chinatown in Chicago have raised red lanterns at the gates, bringing this hundred-year-old community an atmosphere of joyousness, peace and warmness, and most importantly, the taste of Chinese New Year.

"I have lived in Chinatown Chicago for more than 30 years, and this year is a bit special. With red lantern hung up everywhere here in Chinatown, there is a strong atmosphere of Chinese New Year," said Fai Fong.

Angel Zhang, who grew up in Chicago and is now in her twenties, told Xinhua: "I'm happy to see Chicago's commitment to recognizing the Chinese traditions and culture." The beautiful red lanterns are catching the eyes of many and are symbolic of the Asian community and our imprint and contributions to the city, she added.

Chicago Guangzhou Association and American Fu Jian Business Association Chicago are two of the organizations that have engaged in the lantern raising activities.

Chicago Guangzhou Association President Xu Yiqiang refreshed his memory of difficulties of overseas Chinese making a living in U.S. in early days, saying living abroad and being immersed in environment and Western ideas for years, some Chinese have forgotten their roots. With rising of China, to spread Chinese culture and create a Chinese New Year atmosphere is the responsibility of every overseas Chinese.

American Fu Jian Business Association Chicago President Zheng Tanshi said "We just want to bring the Spring Festival atmosphere in China to Chinatown in Chicago, and let overseas Chinese feel at home. "