Was it something they were putting in the water in those days? They sure were into Abuse. Five years later, and still flaming away (and people say Mudcatters are bad for it):

"Then every one of these men he investeth with his liveries of green, yellow or some other light wanton colour. And as though that were not gaudy enough, they bedecke them-selves with scarffes, ribbons, and laces, hanged all over with gold rings, precious stones and other jewels; this done, they tie about either leg twenty or forty bells, with rich handkerchiefs in their hands, and sometimes laid across over their shoulders and necks, borrowed for the most part of their pretty Mopsies and loving Bessies... Thus, all things set in order, have they their hobby-horses, dragons & other antics, together with their bawdy pipers and thundering drummers, to strike up the devil's dance withal; then march these heathen company towards the church and church-yard, their pipers piping, their drummers thundering, their stumps dancing, their bells jingling, their handkerchiefs swinging about their heads like madmen, their hobby-horses and other monsters skirmishing amongst the throng... like devils incarnate... and so besotted are some, that they will not only give them money to maintain their abominations withal, but also wear their badges and cognizances in their hats and caps openly."

Philip Stubbes, Anatomie of Abuses, 1583