Martha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary of Bethany. It was she who received Christ into their house and then complained that while she was preparing the food, Mary was sitting at Christ's feet listening to his words. Christ told Martha that her sister was right to put spiritual matters above everyday chores. According to the 'Golden Legend' Martha travelled with Mary and Lazarus to France, where they overcame a dragon by sprinkling it with holy water.
Martha is the patron of housewives and is usually shown simply dressed carrying either a ladle or keys. Sometimes she is shown trampling the devil.