Humans may have evolved so that they may notice and remember those individual differences that are most relevant for solving social-adaptive problems.

Humans may have evolved difference detecting mechanisms, so that they may notice and remember those individual differences that are most relevant for solving social-adaptive problems.

it depends on which society you are referring to. many civilization performed rituals so the gods would with their growing season but the most well known is that of the aztecs. they would make sacrifices, usually animals, but sometimes humans as well.