diff --git a/src/main/java/org/jfree/chart/axis/SymbolAxis.java b/src/main/java/org/jfree/chart/axis/SymbolAxis.java
index 9aad9ab420..f0e5933033 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/jfree/chart/axis/SymbolAxis.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/jfree/chart/axis/SymbolAxis.java
@@ -125,6 +125,16 @@ public String[] getSymbols() {
         return result;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Sets the list of symbols to display instead of the numeric values. 
+     *
+     * @param symbols List of symbols.
+     */
+    public void setSymbols(String[] symbols) {
+        this.symbols = Arrays.asList(symbols);
+        fireChangeEvent();
+    }
+
     /**
      * Returns the flag that controls whether or not grid bands are drawn for 
      * the axis.  The default value is {@code true}.