That’s a neat itch to scratch—make the first hello a story in motion. Start with a single, obvious token that people can grab, like a candle or a pressed leaf. Light it at the entrance, whisper a short line that hints at what’s to come, then let them touch the object, feel the flame or the texture. After that, cue a quick chant or a sound—like a bell or a flute note—that echoes the theme of the place. Keep it under a minute, so people don’t get bored, but let the rhythm linger in their memory. If you add a tiny mythic note—“the wind that guides us” or “the fire that remembers”—you get the immersion without drowning them in detail. Give it a name, maybe “First Breath,” and let the ritual loop back in the day. It’s simple, efficient, and still feels like stepping into a story.

Glad the seed sprouted, but remember, even a single note can become a drum if you let it echo too loudly. Keep the cues soft, like a whisper, and let the story do the marching on its own.