Following the Heian Period, a system of ceremonies centered on two rituals, one in which the abdicating emperor issued an edict proclaming his abdication, and the other in which the Kenji (the Sacred Sword and the Sacred Jewel) were passed down to the successor (the new emperor) became customary.
平安時代以後の慣例として、退位する天皇が譲位の宣命を宣布する儀式とその後に行われる継承者（新帝）への剣璽を引き渡す儀式（剣璽渡御の儀）の2つを中心として儀式体系が組まれてきた。