AN interesting but offensive Chinese idiom, "A pretty woman is like water that causes disaster" originated in an ancient story entitled "Biography of Zhao Feiyan".

Zhao was the concubine of an emperor of the Han Dynasty (206 BC to AD 220). The woman was famous for her dancing skills and alluring figure. It was said she could dance on a man's two palms or on a small plate. She became the favourite concubine of the emperor.

But her happy life didn't last long. When the emperor died, Zhao was asked to commit suicide for the crime of prurience in the palace which led the emperor to neglect state affairs.

The story said that fire was the auspicious element responsible for the success of the Han Dynasty. Naturally the woman was thought of as water who put out the fire. Since then, the Chinese have referred to a woman who lures a man to give up his career as "disastrous water".

A list purporting to name China's top 10 disastrous women can be found on the Internet. Most of those on the list are famous beauties in history, most of whom attracted the king or emperor and ended up tragically, which may or may not prove another idiom: Beauty is mostly born unlucky.

The most famous "disastrous woman" in Chinese history is Yang Yuhuan, a concubine of Li Longji, an emperor of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Her story has appeared on the screen and been written into traditional operas.

Yang is listed as one of the four most beautiful women in history. Because of her beauty, the poem said "the romantic night becomes shorter" (with her as a companion) but the emperor was unable to get up early to hold his morning meetings.

Because the emperor was charmed by her, Yang's relatives and favourites, regardless of whether they had any talent, became high-level officials, which caused chaos in the court.

In 755, a rebellion broke out against Yang's brother, who held a high position in the court but did nothing useful. The rebellion, which lasted for about eight years, has been considered the turning point from ascent to decline of the dynasty.

In 756, the emperor and Yang fled the capital. On the way, the soldiers protecting the emperor refused to continue protecting him unless he killed Yang and her brother.

The love story was transformed into a tragedy. The beauty was obliged to hang herself from an old tree alongside the path. Her death guaranteed the loyalty of soldiers to the emperor.

Foxy seductions

In even earlier stories about disastrous women, most of them were thought to be "fox spirits". The animals are believed to have an ability to transform themselves into beautiful women and tantalize men.

Under the influence of these alluring women, kings and emperors became rude and promiscuous. They sometimes killed loyal officials and kind concubines who gave good advice and indulged in other improper behaviour to entertain the beauty.

In reading stories about the 10 "disastrous water", it becomes clear that if a woman is close to those in political power and her lover fails, the woman is always chief culprit while the man is excused because he was under her influence.

Another Chinese saying explains why men sometimes fail: It is hard even for a hero to resist the temptation of beauty.

In Chinese society, in which the man is certainly dominant, the woman is thought of as an appendage to the man. Just like power and fortune, a woman is an object to be competed for by men.

But people believe that pursuing power and fortune is a correct way for men to develop themselves. If one has power and fortune, it stands to reason that he will not lack women.

Suspicious colleagues

We also find new versions of "disastrous water" in modern society: more and more women are identified in the media as being behind the corruption of high-level officials.

For example, former Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Cheng Kejie was sentenced to death in 2000 for bribery. In the report about his crimes, a woman named Li Ping was frequently mentioned. Some stories concluded that Cheng's illegal activities were aimed at pleasing his mistress, Li.

In 2003, Sichuan Province released a regulation about the administration of staff "working close to officials". One item in particular prompted controversy around the country - the rule that forbade male officials from having female staff that work closely with him. Generally speaking, it means male leaders in Sichuan can't employ female secretaries any more.

Some pundits said it is a modern version of the old idiom which blames women for men's crimes and failures.

When the image of a woman is frequently associated with disaster, it also carries more complicated and sacred significance.

People view the nation as like a mother while its leader is a father figure. When the country is invaded by enemies, the nation's leader will call on everyone to protect the motherland.

When a woman's image is closely associated with a State's dignity or nationality that image will be described in a sacred way. But when women become the objects of men's ardour, they are inclined to be seen as promiscuous and sinful.