Saint Martha is a figure from the New Testament, sister of Mary Magdalene and Lazarus. She lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem, and welcomed Jesus into her home several times. She is known for her active role in hospitality, contrasting with her more contemplative sister Mary. When Lazarus died, she expressed her faith in Jesus, who resurrected her brother. A medieval tradition tells that after Christ's resurrection, she traveled to Provence, where she tamed the Tarasque, a terrifying monster. She is the patron saint of hoteliers and cooks. Her cult spread to Lorraine and France, particularly to Tarascon (in Provence).
