It's just the 'awards' that are on the second screen of puzzles. Triplets, a 90-year-old (haven't managed that one yet - of course my only village so far has been a Magic one, no great longevity), accumulate 20,000 food...all that happens is that the grayed-out award becomes vivid. As far as I can see, the awards don't change the game at all.
Thanks. I just started a new tribe and I'm going to try to get more points. I like the tips I pick up on this board. I've been playing VV3 for a couple years and never knew the Chief could teach! It's really is amazing.