A lot of Christian festivals are based on pagan festivals, it was a way to assimilate the local population. The Romans did it, when they weren't wiping somebody out compleyely, when they recognised that another people's god or goddess was like a Roman equivalent and would then quite often merge them, Sulis Minerva would be an example

This is true. Seveal articles I have read says Christian faith is Pegan rebranded. There is another way I can say this, but the thought slipped my mind. Perhaps it is to early for me, and I need more coffee. LOL