A tam o'shanter is a traditional Scottish hat characterized by its round, flat crown and a pom-pom on top. It is typically made from wool and features a band that can be decorated with various patterns. The hat is named after a character in a poem by the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote "Tam o' Shanter" in 1790, which tells the story of a man who encounters witches while returning home. The tam o'shanter is often associated with Scottish culture and is commonly worn during festivals, parades, and other cultural events. It has become a symbol of Scottish heritage and is popular among those celebrating their Scottish roots or participating in traditional activities.