Our favourite news agency reports that for the first time, women are to be recognised as descendants of Confucius in a new family tree of the ancient Chinese philosopher. This fifth update of the family tree, according to Reuters, will add more than 1 million "registered" descendants of Confucius.

Earlier this year, we reported how this latest exercise fuelled a mad rush of Kong-lets eager to identify themselves as descendants of China's patron philosopher by means of DNA testing for the princely sum of RMB1000, but many were disappointed it seems. Naturally, how the scientists had obtained a DNA sample of the Master was not explained.

Meanwhile, an "official" statue of the man himself has been unveiled in his hometown in Qufu, Shandong Province, but apparently the hotly debated copyrighted statue "lacks a historical basis" and looks nothing like the good old man. Experts have also called for a revival in the chanting of Confucian "Bibles" because it will ostensibly help "build a harmonious society". Hallelujah!

We loved this quote from Confucius' wise descendant, Kong Dehong, in the Reuters report:

'We have to adapt to the times... Men and women are equal now. Even if a woman has to leave the family when she gets married to live with her husband, that doesn't change the fact that she is descended from Confucius.'

Shanghaiist wonders if the revered sage is turning in his grave. After all, wasn't he the enlightened chap who said, "One hundred women are not worth a single testicle"? Eww. (At least that's what the feminists would have us know cos we haven't been able to find the corresponding Chinese quote!) And oh yes, "Women and people of low birth are hard to deal with." [唯女子与小人为难养也]

Anyhow, long live Confucius. And his female descendants.

Image of Confucius in NYC from wallyg.