Definition of opponent for English Language Learners. : 1  a person, team, group, etc., that is competing against another in a contest. : 2  a person, group, etc., that is against something (such as an action, law, or system) : someone or something that does not want something to exist, be done, etc.
On the Celtic calendar, the traditional first day of winter is 1 November (Samhain, the Celtic origin of Halloween); spring starts 1 February (Imbolc, the Celtic origin of Groundhog Day); summer begins 1 May (Beltane, the Celtic origin of May Day); the first day of autumn is 1 August (Celtic Lughnasadh).
But if you want literal Dark Ages, you need only consider the winter solstice. December 21 was the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Now don't everyone groan and complain like a tired old camel about the unnecessary reminder.