While the public holiday for new year lasts three days in China, the festival traditionally lasts till the 15th day of the lunar month and ends with the Lantern Festival. Red is the popular colour for warding Nian off, in case he feels like making a comeback. You'll also find some tips for figuring out how the Chinese Lunar Calendar works. When confronted by a dragon it helps to know where it's from. It's all in the shoe size, according to this site.
Chinese dragons have five toes, Korean four and Japanese three.
Ahem, that was last night's excuse at least. There are other fascinating beliefs and superstitions associated with Chinese New Year here too. A popular motif on robes, jackets, sculpture, even in boat racing, the dragon is clearly a key figure in Chinese fashion. Use this list of links to find out all about its mythical influences. No need to chew open these babies for the pearls of wisdom, just use your mouse to access the fortune cookies.