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“We need not shrink from admitting that candles, like incense and lustral water, were commonly employed in pagan worship and the rites paid to the dead. But the Church from a very early period took them into her service, just as she adopted many other things indifferent in themselves, which seemed proper to enhance the splendor of religious ceremonial. We must not forget that most of these adjuncts to worship, like music, lights, perfumes, ablutions, floral decorations, canopies, fans, screens, bells, vestments etc. were not identified with any idolatrous cult in particular; but they were common to almost all cults” (Catholic Encyclopedia, III, 246.)

“When we give or receive Christmas gifts; or hang green wreaths in our homes and churches, how many of us know that we are probably observing pagan customs...the god, Woden, in Norse Mythology, descends upon the earth yearly between December 25th and January 6th to bless mankind...But pagan though they be, they are beautiful customs. They help inspire us with the spirit of 'good will to men', even as the sublime service of our Church reminds us of the ‘peace on earth’ which the babe of Bethlehem came to bestow” (Externals of the Catholic Church, 140).

Taken from doesn’t equate to similar to. The RCC specifically says they intentionally took practices from the pagans. BIG difference.

Taken from doesn’t equate to similar to. The RCC specifically says they intentionally took practices from the pagans. BIG difference.

not really...remember, at the time there were only Catholics and pagans....to entice the pagans to investigate the Christian way of doing things, the church adapted a few of their harmless but beautiful practices...holly wreaths, decorations, etc. had no anti God meaning, but were inviting to the pagan throngs to come visit the church and see what was happening.