Ritual and Superstition Compensate for Lack of Control
Seeing patterns where none exist and other superstitious behaviors may be compensating for a lack of control according to a recent study: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95296627. Of course, the study does not take into consideration those consciously using ritual in a playful manner or those using it for psychological and social purposes who may not attach any "superstitious" significance to their activities.