The Peranakan race is much like the mixed-blood child of Chinese and Malay parents. Having originated from Malacca and Indonesia, they are ethnically Chinese, but have adopted Malay ways of life and culture to better identify with a Malay-dominated society. Males are known as Babas and the females, as Nyonyas. The Kebaya is a traditional costume worn by the Nyonyas which consists of a translucent, figure-hugging top worn over an undershirt, and a batik-designed sarong. The top is typically decorated with immaculately embroidered flowers and patterns that serve to demonstrate the gentleness and conscientiousness of the Peranakan woman.