[MarMema]

Having done extensive research on this, I can tell you that it is part of their Koran for one thing ( something about smite off their heads) and also one source I found lists a Russian saying that it is an old pagan belief - removing the head keeps the victim from pursuing you in the afterlife. Not that these people would have pagan beliefs interspersed in their religion. Nah! LOL.

[weegee]

I recall a claim that we should cut off Osama's head if the body is ever located. This would be more to demoralize the enemy than to drain the evil lifeforce out of this snake.