1 They have been interpreted in psychological terms as pareidolia, and in religious terms as theophanies.

2 Pareidolia is when random images or sounds are perceived as significant.

3 Mental disease can aggravate pareidolia, as can fatigue and sleepiness.

4 Illusion Medical imaging is a new fertile ground for pareidolia.

5 Seeing clouds in the shapes of dinosaurs, Jesus on a hot pocket, or hearing messages when a record is played backward are common examples of pareidolia.