CONFUCIUS would no doubt have something to say about a decision yesterday to recognise women for the first time in 2,500 years as descendants of the ancient Chinese sage.

Kong Dehong, a 77th-generation descendant of the philosopher and the man in charge of the fifth update of the family tree, said the change would also bring the genealogy into the digital era. “We have to adapt to the times,” he said. Men and women are equal now. Even if a woman has to leave the family when she marries, that doesn’t change the fact that she is descended from Confucius.”

Mr Kong announced the change during a gathering of descendants of Confucius — whose name in Chinese is Kong Fuzi — from around the world in his birthplace in Qufu in Shandong province.

Festivities to commemorate Confucius will culminate today with ceremonies in Qufu to mark the 2,557th birthday of the sage, whose sayings have won worldwide renown.

One woman descendant of the philospher best known for The Analects, his writings, welcomed the change as a recognition of the higher status of women in China today. Miss Kong, who is 34 and a 76th-generation descendant, told The Times: “In feudal society men were superior to women. I guess that is why women were not qualified to be included in the family tree. So I am extremely happy with this change.”

Confucius had decided views on women. He once said: “Women and people of low birth are very hard to deal with. If you are friendly with them, they get out of hand, and if you keep your distance, they resent it.” By contrast, Chairman Mao said: “Women hold up half the sky.” Miss Kong had no comment on her ancestor’s sayings.

However, the ideas of filial piety and deference to elders espoused by the 5th-century BC philosopher influence Chinese society and politics even today. Confucius is enjoying something of a revival in China, particularly among its Communist Party leaders who have taken to citing his emphasis on harmony.

Mr Kong is overseeing the fifth update of the family tree and said that descendants will number about 1.5 million when it is completed and published in 2009.

The family tree is regarded as the world’s longest, recording more than 80 generations. The new one will include the name of the spouse as well as educational background and posts held by descendants. It will be available in digital form.

Women descendants will be written in the same size characters as men. Kong Dewei, the head of the Confucius Genealogy editorial office, said that women make up fewer than 200,000 of the total but the figure will change as the compilation work advances.

Ancient sage

Born 551 BC, died 479

The Analects are his most famous works

Confucianism seen as a religion or a philosophy

Politically ambitious, held posts including Justice Minister

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