In the episode "Moe Goes from Rags to Riches" the rag explains how it became a rag over the years: 1012 A.D.: Tapestry made by a peasant wife and what it showed was what the tapestry would experience over the years. Dark Ages: Stolen by Vikings and swindled to arabs. 1200's: Part of a tent owned by a young Persian king (Nelson) this story was a parody of 1001 Arabian nights. 1400's: Rag used for torture and used by Michelangelo. 1800's: Used to make a Confederate flag 1930's: Rag in rag soup during the depression. Now he's used like a toy for Santa's Little Helper.