diff --git a/res/core/calendar.xml b/res/core/calendar.xml
index 42f83d58b..d96037698 100644
--- a/res/core/calendar.xml
+++ b/res/core/calendar.xml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <?xml version="1.0"?>
-<calendar name="secondage" newyear="month_1" start="0">
+<calendar name="secondage" newyear="month_1">
   <season name="winter">
     <month name="month_4" storm="50" />
     <month name="month_5" storm="30" />
diff --git a/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua b/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua
index de94ea34f..cba363d83 100644
--- a/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua
+++ b/scripts/tests/e2/e2features.lua
@@ -10,6 +10,11 @@ function setup()
     eressea.settings.set("rules.encounters", "0")
 end
 
+function test_calendar()
+    assert_equal(get_season(1011), "calendar::winter")
+    assert_equal(get_season(1012), "calendar::spring")
+end
+
 function test_herbalism()
 -- OBS: herbalism is currently an E2-only skill
     local r = region.create(0, 0, "plain")
diff --git a/src/calendar.c b/src/calendar.c
index 2099b6631..d2a70c974 100644
--- a/src/calendar.c
+++ b/src/calendar.c
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ int seasons = 0;
 
 int first_turn(void)
 {
-    return config_get_int("game.start", 1);
+    return config_get_int("game.start", 0);
 }
 
 const gamedate *get_gamedate(int turn, gamedate * gd)