Many things have Pagan origins such as wedding rings, most of the holidays, the days of the week.
The ancient Christians demonized Pagans to further their own agenda. As Finkelstein stated, the ancients were once Pagan. Somewhere along the line, some of them decided that polytheism was evil. So they made all things Pagan evil and then violently abused/killed these people if they didn't convert to the Christian way of belief. They adopted and adapted some of the Pagan ways as part of this. As well, it's tough to give up everything you have come to know, trust, and use.
Yes, this is the Christian legacy. Just let that marinate for a while.